Combined solar-geothermal power generation using Organic Rankine Cycle

This research investigates the possibility of power generation from geothermal and solar heat resources in Jordan using Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). A comprehensive thermodynamic modelling and analysis is done in order to choose the appropriate fluid for the considered application. Fluid selection process using EES software was conducted on sixteen fluids taking into account high side and low side temperature and pressure to be the most important parameters. A step by step thermodynamic modelling with the aid of both EES and CHEMCAD software was conducted simultaneously. Several improvements have been done on the cycle to achieve the most economical and efficient design. For the selected cycle, different components were sized and defined. It was found that R600 is the most suitable fluid for application under study. The use of geothermal water as a heat source was found insufficient to generate power due to low temperature of the geothermal water. The open feed heater solar and geothermal Organic Rankine Cycle was found to be the most suitable for power generation for the selected site conditions.