Entransy dissipation/loss-based optimization of two-stage organic Rankine cycle (TSORC) with R245fa for geothermal power generation

Based on organic Rankine cycle (ORC), the two-stage evaporation strategy is adopted to replace the single-stage evaporation to improve the system performance. In order to evaluate the temperature matching of the two-stage evaporation, a theoretical optimization model was established to optimize the two stage organic Rankine cycle (TSORC) based on the entransy theory and thermodynamics, with the ratio of the entransy dissipation rate of the TSORC to that of the ORC as the objective function. This paper aims to illuminate the improving degree of the system performance of the TSORC. The results show that the TSORC enhances the average evaporating temperature, thereby reducing the entransy dissipation rate in the evaporator and the total entransy dissipation rate. The maximal net power output is proportional to the entransy loss rate and inversely proportional to the entransy dissipation rate. However, compared with the ORC, the TSORC can output more power but requires a higher total thermal conductance. Moreover, there exists an optimal intermediate geothermal water temperature (IGWT) to maximize the net power output of the TSORC. The TSORC can be considered in engineering applications.