Optimizing ORC cycles

Optimizing ORC cycles can be a complex problem. This is particularly the case for certain geothermal or effluent energy recovery installations.

In this case, the problem is as follows: the hot source takes the form of a certain flow of geothermal fluid or effluent, at a given inlet temperature, and optimizing the installation generally means seeking to cool this hot source as much as possible, while maximizing the mechanical power produced by the ORC cycle.

In addition, cooling capacity at the condenser is often limited: the cooling fluid is sometimes water, but more often ambient air. The power of the fans used in air-cooled condensers is an auxiliary consumption that must remain moderate, and a second compromise must be found between high cooling air flow and low condensing pressure.

Optimization methods for dealing...