Conversion of Low-Temperature Waste Heat to Electric Power Utilizing Hermetic Organic Rankine Cycle

76206-Heat is generated and used in many industrial processes. Although, the remaining low-temperature heat from these processes is typically dispersed to the atmosphere, this waste heat could be utilized to produce electric power for on- or off-grid use. This project addresses this need through the development of an Organic Rankine Cycle engine that utilizes a hermetic seal-less approach for cost-effectiveness and reliability. Phase I will conduct a Rankine cycle analysis for power point selection and efficiency for various working fluids; select a cost-effective power point compatible with commercially available components; select an optimum working fluid; design a turbine/hydrodynamic bearings/generator/rectifier/inverter package; and develop a detailed design for the rotating assembly, power electronics, and plant controller components. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The modular hermetic design should allow for reliable waste heat recovery over a wide range of available thermal waste heat. The process should be applicable to concentrated solar heat, industrial process waste heat, gas-turbine exhaust heat, geothermal resource heat, internal combustion engine heat, and fuel cell conversion heat.