Impact of Electric Generator Replacement on the Performance of an ORC System Using R600a as the Working Fluid

Abstract

ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) is a device that, utilizing the Rankine cycle, employs a working fluid other than water. The proper functioning of the system relies on the correct selection of individual components, such as the condenser, evaporator, regenerator, pump, and expander. It often turns out that the choice of the electrical generator is also a crucial aspect to ensure the proper operation of the device. This article presents the results of studies on a device that, in its first version, used a generator with a nominal power of 0.75 kW and, in its second version, 2.2 kW. The tests were conducted on the device's operation both with and without the regenerator. The results show that it is impossible to select a configuration that achieves the best performance under all operating conditions. Therefore, the choice of the generator is closely linked to the anticipated operating conditions.