Air Preheaters for Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) Fluids

Air Preheaters for Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) Fluids

Air preheaters for Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) fluids are designed to transfer the heat from the air to the workmass (organic fluid) in the ORC cycle.ORC is an energy conversion technology that utilises the phase change properties of organic workmasses, such as alkanes or freons, to generate electricity.

Below are some key features and applications of air preheaters for ORC fluids:

Heat exchange process: Air preheaters improve the efficiency of the cycle by transferring heat from the combusted exhaust gases to the organic fluids in the ORC cycle. This helps to utilise the heat in the exhaust gases more fully and improves the efficiency of the energy conversion.

Principle of operation: An air preheater typically consists of an air side and an ORC fluid side. The combustion exhaust gases pass through the air side, while the organic fluid flows through the other side in the ORC cycle. The result of the heat exchange is an increase in the temperature of the organic fluid, which increases its ability to evaporate.

Increased Power Generation Efficiency: Preheating the organic fluid helps to increase its temperature in the ORC system, thereby increasing power generation efficiency. By maximising the use of heat from the exhaust gases, more electricity can be generated for the same fuel input.

Suitable for a wide range of fuels: Air preheaters can be used for a wide range of fuel types, including coal, natural gas, biomass, and more. This gives it a wide range of applications in different types of power plants and industrial processes.

Combustion optimisation: By preheating the air, combustion efficiency can be improved and emissions reduced. This contributes to environmental protection and compliance with various emission regulations.

Customised design: Air preheaters can often be customised to meet specific application requirements to ensure optimum performance and adaptability.

The use of air preheaters in ORC systems is an effective way to increase the efficiency of energy conversion by maximising heat exchange while reducing environmental impact. This technology is widely used in the energy sector, especially in the context of the quest for sustainable and efficient energy conversion.