Choosing the Suitable Working Fluid to Recover Heat from Low-Temperature Sources

Abstract

A considerable amount of heat is wasted in many industrial applications at 180 to $250^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ temperature levels that can be recycled and reduce the Green-House Gases (GHGs) effects. Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), nowadays, provides a feasible and efficient recovery solution for these applications. In this research paper, we have investigated and studied the effect of several working fluids (R22, R134a, R123, R245fa, and Acetone, Water, Ammonia) on the cycle thermal efficiency with respect to the heat source temperature. The research showed that the ORC thermal efficiency and the working fluids that could be used depends on the temperature of the heat source primarily. The research also showed the working fluids can be compared in each thermal range and then choose the most suitable working fluid and its thermal efficiency.