ORC units

An organic Rankine cycle (ORC) unit is a technology suitable for conversion of low and medium temperature heat sources into electric power. An ORC system operates in principle similarly to a steam Rankine engine; however, the working fluid is an organic compound characterized by lower critical temperatures and pressures than water.

The ORC technology has gained worldwide acceptance and their market has seen a near exponential growth in the last decade. Common heat sources include industrial waste heat, geothermal heat sources and biomass combustion, whereas there is almost no experience of using ORC units for maritime applications. 

In order to realize the potential of using the ORC technology for maritime applications, extensive research on methods for the design and control of ORC units and the estimation of thermophysical properties of working fluids is necessary. Moreover, research on how to integrate one or more ORC units on-board harvesting heat from one or more heat sources is of crucial importance.

ORC unit   ORC unit
   Front view of the ORC unit provided by MHI/ Calnetix. Back view of the ORC unit provided by MHI/ Calnetix.
 PILOTORC  PILOTORC
ORC unit 3D location in engine room.  

Updated on 25 January 2016

Contact

Fredrik Haglind
Professor
DTU Construct
+45 45 25 41 13
Updated on 25 January 2016