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Technologies

Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)

Power generation from lower-grade heat using a closed organic working-fluid cycle where conventional steam generation is not the most effective recovery route.

Low-grade heatClosed cyclePower generation
Image slotORC system illustrationReplace with approved SENC photography or technical illustration.
Engineering overview

Organic Rankine Cycle technology is most useful after higher-grade heat has already been considered for direct process use or steam generation. It uses an organic working fluid with thermodynamic properties that allow power generation from heat sources too cool or too inconvenient for a conventional steam cycle.

SENC screens ORC opportunities from the actual heat-source temperature profile, annual operating hours and available cooling sink. The study then compares net electrical output with heat-exchanger area, auxiliary power, working-fluid constraints and maintenance requirements, ensuring that ORC is selected only where it adds value to the wider site energy system.

Cycle Principle

An ORC uses an organic working fluid with a lower boiling temperature than water. Heat from a process source vaporizes the fluid, the vapor expands through a turbine-generator, and the exhaust is condensed and pumped back to the evaporator.

Potential Heat Sources

  • Low-temperature process heat
  • Hot water or thermal-oil circuits
  • Residual heat after higher-value steam recovery
  • Selected exhaust or cooling duties after heat-source qualification

Project Screening

ORC is useful only when the heat source has sufficient temperature, stability and annual operating hours. The study therefore compares recoverable electrical output against heat-exchanger area, cooling demand, working-fluid constraints and lifecycle economics.

SENC Scope

  • Heat-source characterization
  • Cycle duty and power estimate
  • Interface heat exchanger definition
  • Package integration and battery limits
  • Technical-economic comparison with alternative recovery routes
Discuss your plant

Engineering starts with the actual operating basis.

Share feed composition, capacity, utility conditions and project objectives. SENC will define the appropriate study scope.

Contact SENC