Low Temperature Generation of Electricity: The Organic Rankine Cycle

摘要

Based on a survey of the available literature the Organic Rankine Vapour Cycle (ORC) is identified as the preferred method of generating electricity from thermal energy sources at temperatures below about 150 exp 0 C which are to be found in the waste streams of liquids, vapours and gases from industrial processes and from the heated water pumped from geothermal boreholes and solar collector units. The preferred working fluids will be R-11, R-113, or R-114, and there are not expected to be any problems connected with the engineering of ORC units. It is note that the technology has a sound engineering base. In Sweden the paper and pulp industries have the greatest potential for ORC aplication before the turn of the century. Moreover, it is not thought that geothermal or solar units have any chance of competing in low temperature electricity production - other than under very special circumstances. Outside the strict field of low temperature operation it is suggested that oil or gas fired ORC heat pumps may find a future use in Sweden for space heating. Despite the poor short term prospects for the ORC in domestic applications it is felt that the foreign market possibilities justify a development effort since there is a large geothermal potential in some of the developing countries. It is suggested that certain theoretical and experimental programmes be initiated and an informed monitoring of international progress be established. Amongst other things it is strongly recommended that heat exchanger and expander develoment be encouraged in connection with an evaluation of the newly developed two-phase cycle. (ERA citation 11:005180)