The organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is a thermodynamic cycle used to convert heat into mechanical work. It is similar to the traditional Rankine cycle, but uses organic fluids instead of water as the working fluid.
In an ORC, the working fluid is heated by a heat source such as geothermal energy or waste heat from industrial processes. The heated fluid then expands through a turbine, producing mechanical work. The fluid is then condensed and recycled back to the heat source to repeat the cycle.
ORC systems have several advantages, including their ability to utilize low-grade heat sources, their flexibility in using a variety of organic fluids, and their low environmental impact compared to traditional power generation methods.
ORC systems are commonly used in waste heat recovery, geothermal power generation, and biomass power generation. They can also be used in combined heat and power (CHP) systems to increase overall efficiency.
Some challenges of implementing an ORC system include the selection of a suitable working fluid, optimizing the system design for maximum efficiency, and managing the potential for fluid leakage. Additionally, the initial cost of installation may be higher compared to traditional power generation methods.
