Project Title: Solar energy
powered Organic Rankine Cycle
Project Overview:
Conventional power generation systems, such as a steam-based Rankine cycle, require a substantial energy
input and have a relatively low efficiency, typically less than 50%. Current ecological requirements demand
more nature-friendly solutions, with lower CO2 emissions, and more efficient use of the supplied energy.
Hybrid power systems integrate renewable energy technologies with some other forms of energy sources to
provide power with improved efficiency. Conventional Rankine cycles can operate at significantly lower
temperatures if a suitable organic compound is chosen as a working fluid. Lower working temperatures allow
solar energy sources to be utilised.
Optimisation of the solar powered organic Rankine cycle will be carried out through mathematical modelling.
The suitability of working fluids to be paired with solar energy source will be investigated and parametric
optimisation of the system will validate efficient and sustainable solutions.
Aims:
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Understand weaknesses of conventional Rankine cycle and identify room for improvement
Recognise the potential of solar energy as a heat source in Organic Rankine cycle
Project plan:
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Selection of suitable organic compounds as a sustainable replacement for steam
Collect available data and review the literature sources to quantify available solar energy input in various
systems
Optimise working parameters in order to increase the process efficiency for different cycle designs
Estimate full operational potential of such systems in terms of maximum power production, process
safety and sustainability
The project will allow the PhD candidate to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of operation of
sustainable energy systems. Upon completion of the project the candidate will be able to model custom built
small/medium scale systems power by solar energy, estimate their overall potential and select the operational
parameters which guarantee safe and effective solution.
Keywords: Organic Rankine cycle, solar power, refrigerant mixtures, energy efficiency.
Supervisor (s): Dr Jovana Radulovic, Dr James Buick, Dr Andrea Bucchi
Special features: We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a First Class Honours Degree in
Mechanical Engineering or similar areas. PhD candidate must have a strong background in thermodynamics
and interest in hybrid energy systems.
Funding details: Self-funding plus bench fees
Starting Arrangements: October 2014
Preferred status: full time
Student nationality restrictions or visa requirements: None
Further details: For further details, please send use our enquiry form, stating the project number XXXYYY and
the name of the first supervisor: Dr Jovana Radulovic (email: [email protected]).