Feasibility of using Rankine power cycles for utilisation of medium to low temperature heat sources in the industry

Abstract

In this paper, an overview of different ORC applications is presented, along with a market review that includes major manufacturers, application areas and cost estimates. Focus was laid upon low (100C) to medium (350C) temperature heat sources from industrial processes. Economic parameters that influence the implementation of an ORC was presented, and numbers from manufacturers was analysed to obtain realistic estimates. A techno-economic generic analysis was performed to investigate the payback period for different economic parameters, such as the effects of varying electricity prices, CO2-tax savings and government incentives. The influence of heat source temperature and system efficiency on economic parameters was investigated, and how changes in these affected the payback period. It was discovered that the payback period decreased for increasing heat source temperature. Increased system efficiency also lowered the payback period, but to a smaller extent. The inclusion of CO2-tax savings lowered the payback period significantly, especially for low electricity prices.