Energy and Exergy Analysis of Organic Rankine Cycle Using Alternative Working Fluids

Abstract

In this paper, energy and exergy analysis is used to show the exergetic performances for an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). This system supplies with electrical energy an existing building with a known configuration. The ORC system is supplied with solar energy from an evacuated solar tube collector. The use of solar energy and the ORC system instead of conventional energy sources reduces pollution and offers energy savings. The simulations of the operating for the ORC system have been performed using several working fluids. The optimization procedure based on the exergetic analysis enabled the choice of the best working fluid. The optimization looked for reducing the exergy destruction to the key parts of the system. The careful selection of the working fluid is essential to reduce the exergy destructed and increase the exergy efficiency for the entire installation. Throughout this work, we were able to prove that this proposed configuration of a solar powered Organic Rankine Cycle is a viable solution capable of satisfying the consumer's needs. The use of an ORC for producing mechanical work from low grade heat source is a valuable solution.