Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)
Today, generating clean electric power from low temperature heat is one of the most effective methods businesses already have for improving energy efficiency and their overall sustainable profile. Using a proven Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) process makes it possible to transfer thermal heat for liquids or gases to produce carbon-neutral power in an efficient way. This is true whether the heat is coming from geothermal sources or industrial or commercial waste heat.
Regardless of the heat source, choosing the right heat exchanger is critical to maximizing the efficiency – and thus the sustainability – of your solution. Alfa Laval has worked closely with customers in a wide range of ORC projects. Our broad portfolio of plate heat exchanger technologies, in combination with our unique industry expertise and experience, ensure you can get the most efficient heat recovery to produce your clean electricity. Keep reading to learn how we can support your ORC project.
Sustainable heating of Dutch greenhouses
With the Netherlands pledging to be free of natural gas by 2030, the country’s vital greenhouse sector is already taking major steps toward implementing renewable energy sources in production. Learn how Alfa Laval is helping make it possible with unique plate heat exchanger solutions optimized to support the demands of geothermal energy production.
ORC: How it works
The basic principle of an ORC system can be thought of as the opposite of a heat pump. Where heat pumps use electrical power to create thermal energy for various purposes, an ORC system uses heat energy to generate electricity.
In a typical ORC design, a thermal energy source feeds an evaporator to drive an expander or “reverse compressor”, which in turn generates the electricity. The provider of the heat can be natural, such as in the case of geothermal energy, or waste heat from any number of industrial waste heat sources. In this way, the ORC design makes it possible to sustainably take advantage of existing heat energy that would otherwise be lost into the atmosphere.
Heat exchangers are a critical element in the ORC system and are used in several stages of the cycle. They function as evaporators, condensers, and regenerators or economizers (see the accompanying diagram for a clearer illustration). Using the most optimal plate heat exchanger technology for the duty ensures the system can provide the most reliable, efficient, and therefore sustainable, electricity generation.
Our solutions
Alfa Laval gas-to-liquid plate exchangers
From exceptionally high temperatures to media with extremely asymmetrical flow rates, Alfa Laval’s gas-to-liquid portfolio handles more than other plate heat exchangers. Built with a revolutionary “dimple” plate design, they provide efficient heat recovery and very low pressure drop in gas applications – all within a significantly smaller footprint than tubular technologies.
Alfa Laval semi-welded plate-and-frame heat exchangers
Alfa Laval’s industrial semi-welded plate heat exchangers are suitable for refrigeration, chemical processes and various kinds of industrial utility duties. Their unique RefTight™ sealing system guarantees reliable, long-term sealing between the welded channels because the laser weld is on the outside of the ring gasket groove. At the same time, a smooth surface ensures a tight uniform seal over the entire gasket ring.
Alfa Laval gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchangers
Our industrial line of gasketed plate heat exchangers is suitable for a huge scope of applications from heating, cooling and heat recovery to condensation and evaporation. Based on our work with customers, we continuously update their design to better meet the demands of your processes. Today’s models set all new standards of efficiency, reliability and serviceability.
ORC power generation
Renewable energy not only spurs growth, but also bodes well for a more sustainable future. Power generation using geothermal energy or industry waste heat streams can boost plant output, improve your environmental footprint, and increase profitability. Alfa Laval offers a full portfolio of heat exchanger solutions for geothermal and ORC power, including highly efficient and compact designs optimized for fully containerized systems.
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