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Numerical analysis on the performance of an ORC system based on solar concentration and spectrum utilization

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  • Shi, Xilong
  • Wang, Xinyi
  • Zhang, Chenghu
  • Wang, Fazhong

Abstract

To address the escalating power demand and promote renewable energy utilization, this paper introduces an efficient photovoltaic-thermal coupled power generation technology. Based on the influence of spectral frequency division on heat collection characteristics, a spectral-thermal-electric coupling correlation is established. Models have been developed for both the heat collection system and the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), and then verified through experiments. The study further investigates the impact of different spectral bands on collector performance, ultimately selecting R1234ze as the optimal working fluid. Notably, R1234ze exhibits a thermoelectric efficiency ranging from 12.25 % to 12.6 %, which corresponds to the lowest UPR and the highest exergy efficiency. Finally, analysis based on the proposed evaluation index system is conducted to assess the performance. The results show that an increase in short wavelength enhances heat collection efficiency by 41.2 %, while long wavelength results in only 15.4 %. Furthermore, raising the inlet oil temperature improves the thermoelectric efficiency. The system with a regenerator exhibits a 4.7 % higher thermoelectric efficiency than that without one. Conversely, increasing the inlet temperature on the cooling side causes a linear decline in thermoelectric efficiency, with each 1 °C rise leading to 5–6 % reduction. These findings underscore the critical role of cooling water temperature on system performance, suggesting that precise thermal management is essential for optimizing efficiency in engineering applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Shi, Xilong & Wang, Xinyi & Zhang, Chenghu & Wang, Fazhong, 2026. "Numerical analysis on the performance of an ORC system based on solar concentration and spectrum utilization," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PG).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pg:s0960148125020993
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124435
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    References listed on IDEAS

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