ORC Modules and Small Steam Turbines – a Powerful Combination
How the Combination of ORC and Small Steam Turbines Works
When small steam turbines and ORC modules are connected, a system is created that can harness the energy of steam in multiple stages. First, the steam turbine captures the portion of steam with the highest pressure and temperature, delivering mechanical energy or electricity efficiently.
After the steam passes through the turbine, residual heat remains that would otherwise be lost. This is where the ORC module comes into play. It is designed to operate at lower temperatures and converts the remaining energy into electricity.
The result is a system where the steam turbine provides the first, high-performance energy extraction, and the ORC module complements it by “cleaning up” and recovering residual energy that would otherwise go unused. This achieves more complete energy recovery, higher overall efficiency, and a system that utilizes the full heat spectrum – from high-pressure steam down to low-temperature waste heat.
Advantages of the Integration
By allowing ORC modules and small steam turbines to work together, energy can be used more efficiently. The combination provides both economic and environmental benefits while ensuring long-term operational sustainability.
• Economic Benefits
By recovering waste heat and using steam more efficiently, companies can significantly reduce energy costs. The system can also provide a quick return on investment through lower operating costs and reduced reliance on external energy sources.
• Environmental Benefits
The combination contributes to green energy and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by optimizing energy use. Waste heat that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere becomes valuable energy instead.
• Operational Flexibility
Small steam turbines can be quickly started and stopped with varying steam flows, while the ORC module continuously converts low-temperature heat into electricity. This allows the system to operate efficiently even under fluctuating conditions.
• Sustainability and Longevity
The combination is robust and can be designed to minimize maintenance needs. With monitoring and sensors, operational downtime can be avoided.