Analysis of a direct vapor generation system using cascade steam-organic Rankine cycle and two-tank oil storage

Pengcheng Li, Haiwei Lin, Jing Li, Qing Cao, Yandong Wang, Gang Pei, Desuan Jie and Zilong Zhao

Energy, 2022, vol. 257, issue C

Abstract: A direct vapor generation solar power system using cascade steam-organic Rankine cycle and two-stage oil tanks is proposed. It offers a significantly enlarged storage capacity due to the unique discharge operation mode. Synthetic oil Therminol® VP-1 is used as the heat carrier and storage medium. Compared with the direct steam generation system, the steam turbine inlet temperature is elevated from 270 °C to 311 °C. Thermodynamic analysis indicates that the optimal equivalent heat-to-power conversion efficiency (ηeq,opt) is 27.91% when benzene is used as the bottom fluid and the mass of oil is 1000 tonnes. ηeq,opt is raised by 7.72–11.60% for the selected four organic fluids as compared with the direct steam generation type. The temperature drop of oil during discharge can reach about 280 °C. Economic studies demonstrate that the proposed system is more cost-effective. Its equivalent payback period is less than 5 years for a 10 MW system with 2000 tonnes of oil. Further investigation shows that it is also more advantageous than a conventional thermal oil-based indirect solar power system due to the cost reduction in heat storage.

Keywords: Direct vapor generation; Cascade steam-organic Rankine cycle; Thermal oil storage; Heat discharge; Equivalent payback period (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:257:y:2022:i:c:s0360544222016796

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2022.124776

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