Expanders for Organic Rankine Cycle Technology

Abstract

The overall power conversion efficiency of organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems is highly sensitive to the isentropic efficiency of expansion machines. No expansion machine type is universally ideal as every machine has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for a comparatively narrow range of operations of the highest efficiency. Therefore, an optimum selection of an expansion machine type is important for a financially viable ORC implementation. This chapter presents the mode of operation, technical feasibility, and challenges in the application of turbo-expanders (radial inflow, radial outflow, and axial machines) and volumetric expansion machines (scroll, screw, piston, and vane) for use in ORC systems. It can be concluded that different machines are suitable for a different range of power output in commercial applications. In general, volumetric machines are suitable for 50 kWe and below but turbomachines are more suitable for power outputs higher than 50 kWe.