Optimization of Design Pressure Ratio of Positive Displacement Expander for Engine Waste Heat Recovery of Vehicle

The effect of built-in volume ratio of expander on the performance of a two-loop Rankine cycle system for engine waste heat recovery of vehicle has been investigated. In the case of positive displacement expander in the various operating condition of the vehicle, it can operate in both under-expansion and over-expansion conditions. Therefore, the analysis of off-design performance for the expander is very important. Furthermore, the volume and weight of the expander as well as the efficiency must be considered in the optimization of the expander. This study shows that the built-in volume ratio of expander causing under-expansion at a target condition is more desirable considering the off-design performance and size of the expander, based on the simple modeling of off-design operation of the expander.