Experimental Implementation of a Micro-Scale ORC-Based CHP Energy System for Domestic Applications

Abstract

Because of the renewed interest in renewable energy as well as increased emphasis on alternative technologies, micropower-generating systems have attracted considerable research interest over the last decade. However, micro-scale power generation for low grade heat recovery applications, i.e. as low as 1–3 kW - for domestic use, are characterized by very low efficiencies and relatively high specific cost. For economic viability, these factors make it imperative that the heat source remains “free”, such as solar or geothermal energy. In this paper, a small-scale Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is presented. The small-scale ORC module was built and tested at San Diego State University lab, aimed at producing electricity and hot water from ultra-low grade heat source that can be tapped from solar collectors and low temperature exhaust heat. The system was built for economic viability and flexibility, tailored for a domestic use. The tests demonstrated that the system offered CHP capability, with electric and thermal power output suitable for a domestic application. It also offered high operational flexibility, since the scroll expander could work with a high temperature range, accommodating an even-significant drop of the heat source temperature. Therefore, it can be conveniently used to capture solar and low-temperature energy sources. The system could be produced at an overall cost of less than $3,000 (USD 2010).