Optimizing waste heat recovery with organic Rankine cycles: A novel graphical approach based on Exergy-Enthalpy diagrams

Xuan Dong, Xiaodong Hong, Zuwei Liao, Jingyuan Sun, Zhengliang Huang, Binbo Jiang, Jingdai Wang and Yongrong Yang

Energy, 2024, vol. 311, issue C

Abstract: The Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is a widely-used waste heat recovery approach, that converts low-grade heat into shaft work. This paper introduces a graphical methodology using Exergy-Enthalpy (Ex-H) diagrams, for evaluating and designing ORCs. ORC thermodynamics can be represented by approximate triangular exergy profiles without compromising accuracy. The exergy profile of the heat-absorbing process is crucial to ORC performance. Approximate triangular exergy profiles can be constructed for any ORC configuration to predict ORC performances, such as work output, exergy loss, and thermal efficiency. Furthermore, a systematic graphical approach is developed for integrating waste heat streams and ORCs, with step-by-step procedures outlined. The evolution procedure of the ORC exergy profile can determine working fluid selection and operating conditions. This visually intuitive yet scientifically rigorous tool clarifies the complex relationships between fluids, parameters, and system performance. Two case studies demonstrate the method's effectiveness, confirming it as a valuable tool for ORC design.

Keywords: ORC; Graphical method; Pinch technology; Working fluid selection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:311:y:2024:i:c:s036054422403055x

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.133279

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