Experimental study on an open-drive scroll expander integrated into an ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) system with R245fa as working fluid

The present paper focuses on the experimental characterization of an open-drive scroll expander integrated into an Organic Rankine cycle using R245fa as working fluid. The expander is a commercially available air compressor that was modified to operate in expander mode. The ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) system is designed for a nominal heat input of 20 kW and a nominal net power output of 1.8 kW. A total of 74 steady-state operating points are measured to evaluate the expander performance over a wide range of conditions. The operating parameters that are varied include the inlet pressure (from 9 to 12 bar), outlet pressure (from 1.5 to 4 bar) and rotational speed (from 2000 to 3500 rpm). The maximum isentropic efficiency and shaft power are, respectively, 75.7% and 2.1 kW. A maximum cycle efficiency of 8.5% is reached for evaporating and condensing temperatures of 97.5 degrees C and 26.6 degrees C respectively. For most of the tests, hot water is produced in the condenser and the system therefore behaves as a CHP (combined heat and power). Depending on the water temperature requirement, a power to heat ratio varying between 1.9% and 11.8% is obtained. Water over 50 degrees C can be produced with a power to heat ratio higher than 8%. The experimental data points are then used to generate a performance map of the expander. This performance map allows for simulation of the use of such an expander in other ORC system. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.