Energetic analysis of biomass-fired ORC systems for micro-scale combined heat and power (CHP) generation. A possible application to the Italian residential sector

The work aims at investigating the energetic performances of biomass Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs) for domestic micro-scale combined heat and power (CHP) generation. A parametric analysis has been carried out for different ORC configurations. Specifically, three organic fluids have been considered with both saturated and superheated conditions at the expander inlet and the possibility to adopt the internal regeneration has been evaluated. The energetic analysis illustrates the significant influence of the maximum temperature and thermal regeneration on the main CHP performances. Furthermore, data reveal that the proper choice of the organic worldng fluid is essential to guarantee reliable operations and maximise the system performances. Finally, an economic analysis has been performed considering the Italian tariff and incentives scenario, in order to evaluate the economic feasibility of Organic Rankine Cycles for domestic users in Southern Italy. The investigation demonstrates that biomass-fired ORC systems represent an attractive and efficient solution for sustainable micro-scale CHP applications in the residential sector. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.