Abstract
Waste heat recovery is a key path in improving the overall thermal efficiency, and hence, reducing CO2 emissions in the mid to large scale internal combustion engines. However, realisation of the cost-effective deployment of Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC) are hindered by several key factors. Amongst these are the, utilisation of low-grade ORC practice for high-grade applications, disconnect between parameters considered in simulation studies to those demonstrated experimentally, and integrating multiple heat recovery sources.
To investigate and address these challenges, a programme of ‘concept-to-demonstration’ is in progress at the University of Brighton. This paper describes some of the key features of a new ORC test facility that can contribute towards reduced system costs and increased overall conversion efficiency. These features include, firstly, a variable heat source setup, allowing the potential to replicate a wide range of realistic gaseous heat source quality and quantity levels. Secondly, the direct utilisation of the High-Temperature (HT) exhaust gases, which is expected to reduce the overall system cost when compared to a system utilising an intermediate thermal-oil loop. Thirdly, deployment of HT blends, this is estimated to increase the overall conversion efficiency when compared to a system employing a conventional organic working fluid. Fourthly, a flexible thermal architecture, offering a dual source heat recovery for effective heat utilisation and internal heat recuperation for increased thermal efficiency. Finally, the HT and high-pressure cycle operating capability, offering a near-optimal process condition. The potential benefits of the above features are quantified using a combination of literature survey, simulation results and experimental measurements. The paper concludes with a brief overview of the research direction intended to be undertaken in the next phase of the work.
To investigate and address these challenges, a programme of ‘concept-to-demonstration’ is in progress at the University of Brighton. This paper describes some of the key features of a new ORC test facility that can contribute towards reduced system costs and increased overall conversion efficiency. These features include, firstly, a variable heat source setup, allowing the potential to replicate a wide range of realistic gaseous heat source quality and quantity levels. Secondly, the direct utilisation of the High-Temperature (HT) exhaust gases, which is expected to reduce the overall system cost when compared to a system utilising an intermediate thermal-oil loop. Thirdly, deployment of HT blends, this is estimated to increase the overall conversion efficiency when compared to a system employing a conventional organic working fluid. Fourthly, a flexible thermal architecture, offering a dual source heat recovery for effective heat utilisation and internal heat recuperation for increased thermal efficiency. Finally, the HT and high-pressure cycle operating capability, offering a near-optimal process condition. The potential benefits of the above features are quantified using a combination of literature survey, simulation results and experimental measurements. The paper concludes with a brief overview of the research direction intended to be undertaken in the next phase of the work.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Heat Powered Cycles Conference 2016 |
Place of Publication | Nottingham, UK |
Publisher | Heat Powered Cycles |
Pages | 0-0 |
Number of pages | 1 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780956332950 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2016 |
Event | Heat Powered Cycles Conference 2016 - Nottingham, UK, 27-29 June 2016 Duration: 1 Jun 2016 → … |
Conference
Conference | Heat Powered Cycles Conference 2016 |
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Period | 1/06/16 → … |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Conceptual Design and Preliminary Testing of an Organic Rankine Cycle Thermal Architecture'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Profiles
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Robert Morgan
- School of Arch, Tech and Eng - Professor of Thermal Propulsion Systems
- Advanced Engineering Centre
Person: Academic
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Angad Panesar
- School of Arch, Tech and Eng - Principal Lecturer
- Advanced Engineering Centre
Person: Academic