Analysis and comparison performance of four organic Rankine cycle configurations for a hot, non-temperate climate solar project: Thermodynamic, economic, exergoenvironmental, and environmental

• Published in: Energy reports 2024-12, Vol.12, p.5529-5550
• Main Authors: Lekané, Nelson Nguefack, Njock, Julbin Paul, Ngangué, Max Ndamé, Lontsi, Frederic, Sosso, Olivier Thierry
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 5E analysis; Hot, non-temperate climate; Regenerative three-stage series ORC; Solar micropower plants; Solar project
• ISSN: 2352-4847; 2352-4847
• DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2024.11.015

This paper aims to compare the energy, exergy, economic, exergoenvironmental, and environmental (5E) performance of four different organic Rankine cycle (ORC) configurations using benzene as the working fluid, in a solar project in a hot, non-temperate climate. The configurations analyzed include a two-stage series ORC (DSORC) and a three-stage series ORC (TSORC), as well as their respective regenerative variants (R-DSORC) and (R-TSORC). To ensure a fair assessment, a computer program was developed with Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software in order to study the influence of operating parameters on the performance of these systems, providing them with the same total thermal potential. Under basic operating conditions, simulation results show that R-TSORC is the most competitive, with a net power output of 1642 kW, an energy utilization factor of 18.11%, and an exergy efficiency of 25.06%. In addition, it achieves an annual emission reduction in CO2 equivalent of 34210 tonnes, with an exergetic sustainability index of 0.2404. Consequently, the payback period is 4.155 years, and the levelized cost of electricity is 0.06479 $/kWh, which is lower than the cost of self-generated electricity for industries in Cameroon. The results reveal that R-TSORC could be deployed in solar micropower plants located in hot, non-temperate climates. Its ability to efficiently harness solar energy makes it a relevant solution for regions facing problems of access to electricity. •5E performances of three-stage series organic Rankine cycle are investigated.•R-TSORC is strongly influenced by august seasonal changes.•R-TSORC contributes to the annual reduction by around 34,208 tons of CO2.•R-TSORC has less LCOE than the electricity production costs companies in Cameroon.•R-TSORC is more competitive than other systems in hot, non-temperate climates.