IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v15y2022i19p6990-d923385.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Thermodynamic Optimization of Advanced Organic Rankine Cycle Configurations for Geothermal Energy Applications

Author

Listed:
  • Nenad Mustapić

    (Karlovac University of Applied Sciences, Trg Josipa Jurja Strossmayera 9, 47000 Karlovac, Croatia)

  • Vladislav Brkić

    (Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Željko Duić

    (Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Toni Kralj

    (Karlovac University of Applied Sciences, Trg Josipa Jurja Strossmayera 9, 47000 Karlovac, Croatia)

Abstract

The Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is commonly accepted as a viable technology to convert from low to medium temperature geothermal energy into electrical energy. In practice, the reference technology for converting geothermal energy to electricity is the subcritical simple ORC system. Over time, geothermal ORC plants with more complex configurations (architectures) have been developed. In the open literature, a large number of advanced architectures or configurations have been introduced. An analysis of the scientific literature indicates that there is some confusion regarding the terminology of certain advanced ORC system architectures. A new categorization of advanced configurations has been proposed, with a special emphasis on the application of geothermal energy. The basic division of advanced plant configurations is into dual-pressure and dual-stage ORC systems. In this study, the real potential of advanced ORC architectures or configurations to improve performance as compared with the simple ORC configuration was explored. The research was conducted for a wide range of geothermal heat source temperatures (from 120 °C to 180 °C) and working fluids. Net power output improvements as compared with the basic subcritical simple ORC (SORC) configuration were examined. The ability to produce net power with different ORC configurations depends on the magnitude of the geothermal fluid temperature and the type of working fluid. At a lower value of geothermal fluid temperature (120 °C), the most net power of 18.71 (kW/(kg/s)) was realized by the dual-pressure ORC (DP ORC configuration) with working fluid R1234yf, while the double stage serial-parallel ORC configuration with a low-temperature preheater in a high-temperature stage ORC (DS parHTS LTPH ORC) generated 18.51 (kW/(kg/s)) with the working fluid combination R1234yf/R1234yf. At 140 °C, three ORC configurations achieved similar net power values, namely the simple ORC configuration (SORC), the DP ORC configuration, and the DS parHTS LTPH ORC configuration, which generated 31.03 (kW/(kg/s)) with R1234yf, 31.07 (kW/(kg/s)) with R1234ze(E), and 30.96 (kW/(kg/s)) with R1234ze(E)/R1234yf, respectively. At higher values of geothermal fluid temperatures (160 °C and 180 °C) both the SORC and DP ORC configurations produced the highest net power values, namely 48.58 (kW/(kg/s)) with R1234ze(E), 67.23 (kW/(kg/s)) with isobutene for the SORC configuration, and 50.0 (kW/(kg/s)) with isobutane and 69.67 (kW/(kg/s)) with n-butane for the the DP ORC configuration.

Suggested Citation

  • Nenad Mustapić & Vladislav Brkić & Željko Duić & Toni Kralj, 2022. "Thermodynamic Optimization of Advanced Organic Rankine Cycle Configurations for Geothermal Energy Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-36, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:19:p:6990-:d:923385
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/19/6990/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/19/6990/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Liu, Wei & Meinel, Dominik & Wieland, Christoph & Spliethoff, Hartmut, 2014. "Investigation of hydrofluoroolefins as potential working fluids in organic Rankine cycle for geothermal power generation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 106-116.
    2. Yang, Jingye & Gao, Lei & Ye, Zhenhong & Hwang, Yunho & Chen, Jiangping, 2021. "Binary-objective optimization of latest low-GWP alternatives to R245fa for organic Rankine cycle application," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    3. Lecompte, Steven & Huisseune, Henk & van den Broek, Martijn & Vanslambrouck, Bruno & De Paepe, Michel, 2015. "Review of organic Rankine cycle (ORC) architectures for waste heat recovery," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 448-461.
    4. Braimakis, Konstantinos & Karellas, Sotirios, 2018. "Exergetic optimization of double stage Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 296-313.
    5. Astolfi, Marco & Romano, Matteo C. & Bombarda, Paola & Macchi, Ennio, 2014. "Binary ORC (organic Rankine cycles) power plants for the exploitation of medium–low temperature geothermal sources – Part A: Thermodynamic optimization," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 423-434.
    6. Liu, Qiang & Duan, Yuanyuan & Yang, Zhen, 2013. "Performance analyses of geothermal organic Rankine cycles with selected hydrocarbon working fluids," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 123-132.
    7. Astolfi, Marco & Romano, Matteo C. & Bombarda, Paola & Macchi, Ennio, 2014. "Binary ORC (Organic Rankine Cycles) power plants for the exploitation of medium–low temperature geothermal sources – Part B: Techno-economic optimization," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 435-446.
    8. Moya, Diego & Aldás, Clay & Kaparaju, Prasad, 2018. "Geothermal energy: Power plant technology and direct heat applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 889-901.
    9. Eyerer, Sebastian & Dawo, Fabian & Kaindl, Johannes & Wieland, Christoph & Spliethoff, Hartmut, 2019. "Experimental investigation of modern ORC working fluids R1224yd(Z) and R1233zd(E) as replacements for R245fa," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 240(C), pages 946-963.
    10. Li, Tailu & Zhang, Zhigang & Lu, Jian & Yang, Junlan & Hu, Yujie, 2015. "Two-stage evaporation strategy to improve system performance for organic Rankine cycle," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 323-334.
    11. Stijepovic, Mirko Z. & Papadopoulos, Athanasios I. & Linke, Patrick & Grujic, Aleksandar S. & Seferlis, Panos, 2014. "An exergy composite curves approach for the design of optimum multi-pressure organic Rankine cycle processes," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 285-298.
    12. Xinyu Li & Tao Liu & Lin Chen, 2018. "Thermodynamic Performance Analysis of an Improved Two-Stage Organic Rankine Cycle," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-11, October.
    13. Manente, Giovanni & Lazzaretto, Andrea & Bonamico, Eleonora, 2017. "Design guidelines for the choice between single and dual pressure layouts in organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 413-431.
    14. Ayachi, Fadhel & Boulawz Ksayer, Elias & Zoughaib, Assaad & Neveu, Pierre, 2014. "ORC optimization for medium grade heat recovery," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 47-56.
    15. Song, Jian & Gu, Chun-wei, 2015. "Performance analysis of a dual-loop organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system with wet steam expansion for engine waste heat recovery," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 156(C), pages 280-289.
    16. Chen, Huijuan & Goswami, D. Yogi & Stefanakos, Elias K., 2010. "A review of thermodynamic cycles and working fluids for the conversion of low-grade heat," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(9), pages 3059-3067, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Andrea Arbula Blecich & Paolo Blecich, 2023. "Thermoeconomic Analysis of Subcritical and Supercritical Isobutane Cycles for Geothermal Power Generation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-25, May.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Li, Jian & Ge, Zhong & Duan, Yuanyuan & Yang, Zhen & Liu, Qiang, 2018. "Parametric optimization and thermodynamic performance comparison of single-pressure and dual-pressure evaporation organic Rankine cycles," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C), pages 409-421.
    2. Li, Jian & Peng, Xiayao & Yang, Zhen & Hu, Shuozhuo & Duan, Yuanyuan, 2022. "Design, improvements and applications of dual-pressure evaporation organic Rankine cycles: A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 311(C).
    3. Lecompte, S. & Huisseune, H. & van den Broek, M. & De Paepe, M., 2015. "Methodical thermodynamic analysis and regression models of organic Rankine cycle architectures for waste heat recovery," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 60-76.
    4. Braimakis, Konstantinos & Karellas, Sotirios, 2018. "Exergetic optimization of double stage Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 296-313.
    5. Mondejar, M.E. & Andreasen, J.G. & Pierobon, L. & Larsen, U. & Thern, M. & Haglind, F., 2018. "A review of the use of organic Rankine cycle power systems for maritime applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 126-151.
    6. Li, Jian & Ge, Zhong & Duan, Yuanyuan & Yang, Zhen, 2019. "Design and performance analyses for a novel organic Rankine cycle with supercritical-subcritical heat absorption process coupling," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C), pages 1400-1414.
    7. Li, Chengyu & Wang, Huaixin, 2016. "Power cycles for waste heat recovery from medium to high temperature flue gas sources – from a view of thermodynamic optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 707-721.
    8. Yuan Zhao & Chenghao Gao & Chengjun Li & Jie Sun & Chunyan Wang & Qiang Liu & Jun Zhao, 2022. "Energy and Exergy Analyses of Geothermal Organic Rankine Cycles Considering the Effect of Brine Reinjection Temperature," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-20, August.
    9. Kang, Lixia & Tang, Jianping & Liu, Yongzhong, 2020. "Optimal design of an organic Rankine cycle system considering the expected variations on heat sources," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 213(C).
    10. Rech, Sergio & Zandarin, Simone & Lazzaretto, Andrea & Frangopoulos, Christos A., 2017. "Design and off-design models of single and two-stage ORC systems on board a LNG carrier for the search of the optimal performance and control strategy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 221-241.
    11. Lazzaretto, Andrea & Manente, Giovanni & Toffolo, Andrea, 2018. "SYNTHSEP: A general methodology for the synthesis of energy system configurations beyond superstructures," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 924-949.
    12. Manente, Giovanni & Lazzaretto, Andrea & Bonamico, Eleonora, 2017. "Design guidelines for the choice between single and dual pressure layouts in organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 413-431.
    13. Li, Jian & Yang, Zhen & Hu, Shuozhuo & Yang, Fubin & Duan, Yuanyuan, 2020. "Thermo-economic analyses and evaluations of small-scale dual-pressure evaporation organic Rankine cycle system using pure fluids," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).
    14. Lee, Inkyu & Tester, Jefferson William & You, Fengqi, 2019. "Systems analysis, design, and optimization of geothermal energy systems for power production and polygeneration: State-of-the-art and future challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 551-577.
    15. Li, Jian & Ge, Zhong & Duan, Yuanyuan & Yang, Zhen, 2019. "Effects of heat source temperature and mixture composition on the combined superiority of dual-pressure evaporation organic Rankine cycle and zeotropic mixtures," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 174(C), pages 436-449.
    16. Sanne Lemmens, 2016. "Cost Engineering Techniques and Their Applicability for Cost Estimation of Organic Rankine Cycle Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-18, June.
    17. Pezzuolo, Alex & Benato, Alberto & Stoppato, Anna & Mirandola, Alberto, 2016. "The ORC-PD: A versatile tool for fluid selection and Organic Rankine Cycle unit design," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 605-620.
    18. Steven Lecompte & Sanne Lemmens & Henk Huisseune & Martijn Van den Broek & Michel De Paepe, 2015. "Multi-Objective Thermo-Economic Optimization Strategy for ORCs Applied to Subcritical and Transcritical Cycles for Waste Heat Recovery," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-28, April.
    19. Lecompte, Steven & Huisseune, Henk & van den Broek, Martijn & Vanslambrouck, Bruno & De Paepe, Michel, 2015. "Review of organic Rankine cycle (ORC) architectures for waste heat recovery," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 448-461.
    20. Li, Min & Zhao, Bingxiong, 2016. "Analytical thermal efficiency of medium-low temperature organic Rankine cycles derived from entropy-generation analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 121-130.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:19:p:6990-:d:923385. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.