Exergy-Based Sustainability Assessment of ORC Integration for Waste Heat Recovery in Combined Cycle Power Plants
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51976/cmcb1k75Keywords:
Exergy analysis, Organic Rankine Cycle, Environmental sustainability, Efficiency, Waste heatAbstract
A comprehensive energy and exergy analysis of a combined-cycle power plant (CCPP) operating in both separate and integrated modes is presented in this study. The integration entails the utilization of the exhaust gases in an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) boiler to recover waste thermal energy, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the system. Comparing the standalone mode to the ORC-integrated CCPP, the energy analysis results indicated a substantial increase in both thermal efficiency and net work output. By identifying and quantifying irreversibilities across components, exergy analysis provided additional insights into the system's performance. This integrated configuration exhibited superior exergy efficiency, which led to improved fuel utilization. Furthermore, the integration enhances environmental sustainability by reducing the system's carbon footprint through enhanced waste heat recovery. The proposed ORC-integrated CCPP design is a promising solution for efficient and eco-friendly power generation, as it not only optimizes energy usage but also aligns with sustainable development objectives.
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