Research Progress on Organic Rankine Cycle-Vapor Compression Cycle Systems

doi:10.12096/j.2096-4528.pgt.24270

Abstract

Abstract:

Objectives In recent years, organic Rankine cycle-vapor compression cycle (ORC-VCC) systems have made great progress in the fields of low-grade heat energy utilization and cooling and heating supply owing to their compact structure, low-carbon, and energy-saving advantages. Accordingly, focusing on three key aspects of cycle configuration, working fluid selection, and application directions, this study reviews the latest research progress in ORC-VCC systems. Methods Firstly, five different cycle configurations are outlined, and their principles and characteristics are elucidated to demonstrate the structural diversity and adaptability to operating conditions of ORC-VCC systems. Subsequently, the development history of working fluids is explored in depth, and the principles of working fluid selection are summarized from multiple dimensions such as thermophysical properties, environmental friendliness, and economic efficiency. The economic evaluation results of the systems in different studies are summarized, highlighting the importance of economic analysis. In addition, the potential application fields of the systems are summarized from both the supply and demand sides, and application cases of integration with other systems are presented, with a view to revealing the extensive research and application potential of ORC-VCC systems. Finally, the shortcomings of the current research are pointed out and the future research directions are prospected. Conclusions ORC-VCC systems have broad development prospects and huge development potential. Their application in the energy field will make important contributions to achieving low-carbon, energy-saving, and sustainable development goals.

Key words: renewable energy, multi-energy complementarity, distributed energy, organic Rankine cycle-vapor compression cycle, configuration optimization, working fluid screening, integrated application

CLC Number:

TK 114

Zhikang WANG, Ruqi ZHANG, Shaoke YUAN, Dongjiang HAN, Jun SUI. Research Progress on Organic Rankine Cycle-Vapor Compression Cycle Systems[J]. Power Generation Technology, 2025, 46(6): 1059-1073.

Figures/Tables 14

Fig. 1 Working principle of ORC-VCC

Fig. 2 Structural schematic diagram and thermodynamic diagram of basic configuration

Fig. 3 Typical configurations of ORC-VCC systems

Fig. 4 Development history of working fluids

Tab. 1 Relevant studies on use of novel and natural working fluids

工质	工质种类	参考文献
R1234ze(E)	HFO	[28]
R1234yf	HFO	[29-30]
R1224yd(Z)	HFO	[31]
R1233zd(E)	HFO	[32-33]
R602	HC	[34-35]
R601	HC	[36]

Tab. 2 Typical working fluids and their related parameters

类型	工质	临界温度/℃	ODP	GWP	安全等级
HFC	R134a	101.1	0	1 300	A1
	R152a	113.3	0	138	A2
	R245fa	154	0	858	B1
HFO	R1234yf	94.7	0	<1	A2L
	R1234ze(E)	109.4	0	<1	A2L
	R1234ze(Z)	150.1	0	<1	A2L
	R1336mzz(Z)	171.3	0	2	A1
HCFO	R1224yd(Z)	155.5	≈0	<1	A1
HCFO	R1233zd(Z)	166.5	≈0	1	A1
HC	R600	152	0	4	A3
	R600a	134.7	0	3	A3
	R601	196.6	0	5	A3
	R601a	187.8	0	4	A3

Tab. 3 Working fluids suitable for high-temperature heat pumps

序号	HFO	HCFO	HC
1	R1336mzz(Z)	R1233zd(Z)	R600
2	R1234ze(Z)	R1224yd(Z)	R601

Fig. 5 Screening principles of working fluids

Fig. 6 Comparison of thermodynamic processes between pure and non-azeotropic working fluids in ORC

Fig. 7 Schematic diagram of liquid separation and condensation process

Tab. 4 Payback periods of relevant studies

序号	系统描述	PB	参考文献
1	双蒸发器ORC-VCR系统	5.8年	[47]
2	ORC-VCC微型多联产系统	7年	[48]
3	ORC-VCR车辆空调系统	769 h	[49]
4	ORC-VCR空气压缩空分系统	3.1年	[50]
5	ORC-VCR汽车能源系统	7 520 h	[51]
6	太阳能ORC-VCC三联产系统	8.5年	[52]

Fig. 8 Application directions of ORC-VCC systems

Fig. 9 Application cases of ORC-VCC integrated with other systems

Fig. 10 Temperature distribution of heat source and heat sink in VCC subsystem

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