Download and read last CERTH’s paper on how innovative ORC design outperforms traditional methods
The Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), partner in the FLEXINDUSTRIES project, has published a groundbreaking scientific paper, “Energy, exergy, and economic comparison of ORC with quasi-isothermal expansion with other ORC designs for low-grade waste heat recovery.” This research investigates advanced organic Rankine cycle (ORC) configurations to improve the conversion of low-grade industrial waste heat into electricity, providing new opportunities for sustainable industrial energy practices across Europe.
The study evaluates multiple ORC designs tailored to harness low-temperature heat sources typically found in industrial processes, specifically examining ORC configurations that operate effectively at temperatures between 80°C and 100°C. These cycles offer a valuable solution for sectors with abundant low-grade waste heat, such as manufacturing and chemical processing, where efficient energy recovery can reduce environmental impact and operational costs.
Among the ORC designs assessed, the novel ORC with quasi-isothermal expansion demonstrated superior thermodynamic and economic performance. By injecting heated oil at multiple stages within the expander, this configuration optimizes energy capture from low-temperature sources. Through detailed parametric, energy, and exergy analyses, the research highlights how quasi-isothermal expansion enhances overall efficiency.
For more information about this research click on this link and download the paper.
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