A Review of Multi-Objective Optimization in Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) System Design

Abstract

Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is considered a promising heat-to-power technology to utilize waste heat and renewable energy, including solar, biomass and geothermal. However, since the thermodynamic, economic and environmental performance is usually conflict, the single objective design could no longer meet the requirements of the ORC system, putting forward urgent requirements for multi-objective optimization, which has attracted increasing attention with lots of papers published. However, due to these different decision variables, optimization objectives and approaches, existing research is significantly different from each other and is difficult to compare without a systematic summary. Therefore, this paper provides an overview of ORC multi-objective research from three perspectives: optimization objective, method and optimization parameters. Based on the classification of different objectives, this work summarizes the involved variables and provides a recommendation for selecting appropriate objectives in different scenarios. For the optimization method, this work compares different approaches and reveals their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the decision variables are reviewed and classified into four levels. Then the integrated design approach considering “system-process-component-fluid” is proposed and recommended for further development.

A View on the Future of Applied Thermodynamics

“…Among the most well-known energy conversion systems, one should mention the thermal energy cycles that make it possible to convert heat into work (as in power cycles or internal combustion engines), work into lower temperature (as in refrigerators or cooling systems), or low temperature heat into high temperature heat (as in heat pumps), all of which are based on various types of thermodynamic cycles. The optimal design of these cycles often rests on the selection of an adequate working fluid Water Water is a key element for life!…”

Analysis of Flow Characteristics at the Inlet of a Circular Involute Variable Wall Thickness Scroll Expander

“…In an organic rankine cycle (ORC) power generation system, the expander serves as the core component of the system [1][2][3]; in it, the scroll expander has the advantages of a simple structure, large built-in volume ratio, and high isentropic efficiency. Such systems are widely used in low-temperature waste heat ORC power generation systems [4,5].…”

Solar Energy-Based Future Perspective for Organic Rankine Cycle Applications

“…[22]. The emission reduction potential in the high proportion renewable energy system for ORC applications should be explored due to its value in the trading market [23].…”