Working Fluid Selection for A Simple System of Low Temperature Organic Rankine Cycle Plant
Budi Ismoyo, M. Idrus Alhamid, Nasruddin, Arnas Lubis, Muswar Muslim

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Indonesia
Kukusan, Kecamatan Beji Kota Depok - Jawa Barat
16425 - Indonesia

Abstract

Heat sources such as geothermal, biomass, and others have the potential to be recovered. Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) plants can be used to convert low-temperature heat sources into electrical energy. The choice of working fluid for the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) plant is very important because the system works in limited conditions. This research will analyze the performance of several fluids that can be used as working fluids. Simulation using EES, the selected fluid must have good cycle efficiency and a large volumetric vapor flow rate. Working fluid is compared at a constant pump flow rate of 4.5 lpm with a heat source temperature range of 70-180 oC to obtain cycle efficiency and volumetric vapor flow rate. The simulation results obtained 11 types of work fluids that meet these criteria. R11 provides the highest cycle efficiency and R113 provides the largest volumetric vapor flow rate. With environmental and safety considerations in mind, R1233zd is a choice because it has good cycle efficiency of 12.79%, volumetric vapor flow rate 16.28 cc/rev, ODP 0 and GWP 74, non-flammable (A1).

Keywords: organic rankine cycle, working fluid, geothermal, biomass

Topic: Mechanical Engineering