Situation Analysis of Organic Rankine Cycle System for Low-Grade Heat Power Generation in China

Transfer the low-grade heat energy to electricity is an effective way to improve the energy utilizing efficiency and a promising way to reduce the environmental pollution. The Organic Rankine Cycle system is the right technology to realize this transfer and then recover such low-grade heat energy. The general situation of the ORC system in China is introduced, followed by the discussion of the latest ORC laboratory study and practical application across this country. The ORC research and development progress as well as its potential are also analyzed in both China and other western countries. Some improvement suggestion is proposed to better use this promising technology.