Thermodynamic Analysis of the Organic Rankine Cycle as a Waste Heat Recovery System of Marine Diesel Engine

A thermodynamic analysis and a feasibility study on the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) as a waste heat recovery system for a marine diesel engine were carried out. The ORC and its combined cycle with the engine were simulated, and its performance was estimated theoretically using R245fa. A parametric study on the performance of the ORC system was carried out under different temperature conditions of the heat transfer loop and specification of the heat exchanger. According to the thermodynamic analysis, similar to 10% of the thermal efficiency of the cycle was able to be realized with the low temperature heat source below 250 degrees C. The electric power output of the ORC was estimated to be about 4% of the mechanical power output of the engine, considering additional pumps for cooling water and circulation of the heat transfer medium. According to the present study, the electric power generated by the ORC is about 59%-69% of the required power, and it is possible to reduce the fuel consumption under normal seagoing conditions.