Low-Temperature Organic Rankine Cycles Using Natural Working Fluids

Abstract

Although geothermal energy is commonly used as resource of district heating, the aim of my research is to explore the possibilities of its utilization to produce electricity. In this study, I reviewed the geothermal studies of last years, and I appointed a suitable place where a power plant could be built. Besides, another goal of my research is to choose the most appropriate technology fitting the given heat source conditions. The possibility to use organic Rankine cycle has been examined and the general operation conditions have been determined by using Cycle-Tempo program. Based on preliminary results, six working fluids were selected to test the model. These cases were analyzed based on the considerations of output power and efficiency as well as technical feasibility. Beyond these points of views, the applied systems and working fluids were examined by economic, environmental and safety aspects.