Dynamic models for a heat-led organic rankine cycle

Drawn by the benefits of de-centralised and renewable power supply, over 150 Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC), in a range from 400kWel to 2MWel, have been installed in Central Europe. The majority of modules are biomass fired and heat-led by district heating networks. With rising fuel prices however, the economic situation has become critical for many of these facilities and improvements in efficiency are indispensable. The research reported here, provides turbine models to simulate units of that type and suggests recommendations to achieve a higher cycle efficiency. An operating power plant with a design power of 1MWel serves as validation