An overview on subcritical organic rankine cycle configurations with pure organic fluids

Improving energy utilization efficiency and exploiting renewable energy source have become more crucial with the growing concern on energy crisis and environmental problem. Organic Rankine cycle, a clean, low-cost, and efficient energy utilization technology, is eliciting increasing attention. In this study, the recent research studies on organic Rankine cycle configuration modifications integrated with pure organic fluid are summarized from the perspectives of nomenclature, configuration modifications, theoretical and numerical methods, and experimental development. Results reveal that the nomenclature on the common organic Rankine cycle configurations is confusing; the research studies on organic Rankine cycle configurations are mainly focused on numerical research studies, and theoretical and experimental research studies are relatively limited. The experimental and numerical studies are mostly related to organic Rankine cycle with a recuperator due to its higher thermal and exergy efficiencies. Most experimental research studies are contributed by Chinese scholars, which indicate that China has paid much attention to improving the global environment. More theoretical and experimental research studies on other organic Rankine cycle configurations are urgently needed.