A review of expanders for power generation in small-scale ORC systems

What is it about?

The article discusses various types of expanders used in the organic Rankine cycle systems to turn thermal energy into electrical energy. In addition to basic information on scroll, screw, vane, piston, and turbine expanders, the paper also describes the principles of their operation as well as major advantages and disadvantages. The following characteristics of expanders have been developed on the basis of the most recent scientific publications and own experimental research conducted at the IFFM PASci, in Gdansk. The analysis of various expansion devices available on the market, including those that are still in the development phase, revealed a wide variety of problems related to their operation. The design differences between them have a significant impact on their efficiency and reliability when operating with different working fluids. The article is an authoritative compendium of research-based information about designs and performance of various types of expansion devices. It may be useful for people who want to apply such devices in different types of cogeneration systems.

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