Set point optimization of controlled Organic Rankine Cycle systems

In this paper, an approach to optimize set points is proposed for controlled Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems. Owing to both disturbances and variations of operating point existing in ORC systems, it is necessary to optimize the set points for controlled ORC systems so as to improve the energy conversion efficiency. At first, the optimal set points of controlled ORC systems are investigated by revisiting performance analysis and optimization of ORC systems. The expected set points of the evaporating pressure and the temperature at evaporator outlet are then determined by combining genetic algorithm with least squares support vector machine (GA-LSSVM). Simulation results show that the predicted results by GA-LSSVM can be regarded as the optimal set points of controlled ORC systems with varying operating conditions.