Energy and exergy analysis of an organic Rankine cycle in a biomass-based forest products manufacturing plant

In this study, energy and exergy analysis of anorganic Rankine cycle (ORC) unit was carried out at a biomass-based forest products manufacturing plant. The ORC unit is used for the production of electricity and heat, by using thermal oil as a heat source in the plant. The actual data were obtained from the ORC unit during the energy production process. Studies were realized for the energy and exergy analysis of the main components of the ORC unit, which are the evaporator, condenser, turbine, and regenerator, at two different working conditions. The effect of condenser pressure on the energy and exergy efficiencies of the system was studied in the context of this study. Under the working conditions of Case-1, the energy and exergy efficiencies were calculated as 12.59% and 33.26%, respectively. As for Case-2, the energy and exergy efficiencies were calculated as 13.22% and 35.5%. The gradation of the exergy destructions of the components from greater to lower can be listed as evaporator,condenser, turbine, regenerator, and pump.