Rising electricity demand, finite fossil fuel reserves and environmental concerns motivate the switch to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and recovery of unused energy streams. Solar energy represents the most promising renewable energy source. However, the limitation of solar energy lies in intermittency and low energy density. Energy storage technology can resolve the intermittent character of solar energy. Among the technologies converting solar radiation into power, Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) presents significant advantages in terms of flexibility, modularity and downscaling potential, but the limited thermal efficiency is a barrier to its commercial deployment. This project will develop an integrated ORC system for the simultaneous utilization of LNG cold energy and solar energy.
However, previous studies only focus on ONE or TWO factors since more factors require a more difficult multidisciplinary approach. Thus, the previous designs are probably either inefficient, impractical, high risky or unsustainable. Currently, there exists no literature on energy system design methodology considering system configuration, working fluid selection and operating conditions simultaneously, not to mention process uncertainties, risk analysis and environmental impact assessment due to a lack of multidisciplinary approach which is exactly what this project seeks to address.
This project aims to develop a holistic systematic method for a future energy system design for an integrated Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for simultaneous utilization of solar energy and LNG cold energy. Through various training during my Ph.D. research, I am equipped with good knowledge regarding (ORC), process integration and optimization.
