Parametric study on the exergetic and cyclic performance of a solar-powered organic Rankine cycle coupled with a thermal energy storage and complete flashing cycle

Abstract The amount of available, nonrenewable, natural resources for power generation is continuously decreasing and a need for a sustainable alternative is becoming more paramount. A recently proposed solution for a clean, renewable, sustainable small to mid-scale power generation system is analyzed involving a solar-powered organic Rankine cycle (ORC) with an intermediate thermal energy storage (TES) and complete flashing cycle (CFC). The system has better dispatchability over conventional power production methods as well as a simplified overall plant layout. The system under consideration is thoroughly discussed in the early sections of this paper. The focus of this paper is to complete an energy and exergy analysis of each component of the system to identify locations of irreversibilities or losses and quantify them. Multiple parametric studies and performance improvements are also completed whereby optimal operating temperatures are chosen, to maximize the system’s performance. Assumptions necessary for the analyses are stated and justified with a presentation of the findings. A discussion of the parametric studies and system alterations proposes potential improvements on the system regarding reduced exergy destruction and improved overall energy and exergy efficiencies.