Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) in geothermal power plants

Abstract

Organic Rankine Cycle is a technology that convert low-temperature heat sources into a mechanical energy, and it can be used to produce electrical energy in a closed system. The heat sources can be received from renewable energy such as geothermal, solar, and biomass. Furthermore, the ORC system can also be used to increase energy efficiency in the industry by utilizing the waste heat produced. Therefore, there are two classification of the ORC system, namely a heat recovery system and binary power plant. Recently, the ORC system has made a thrive in the geothermal power plant. The ORC system can be applied to resources with low to medium temperature characteristics (<90°C - 150°C). This paper will present an overview of the implementation, model, and innovation of ORC system technology in geothermal resources.