Utilization of low-grade heat energy, especially for medium and small power applications, is critical for a sustainable energy development strategy of our world. Organic Rankine cycles using a working fluid different from water can recover various kinds of low-grade heat energy effectively, has and have great potential for low-grade heat utilization such as geothermal power plants, combined heat and power systems, and solar energy power generation. Recently, with the progress of molecular thermodynamic simulation technology, many new working fluids with good environmental and safety properties are being developed. Meanwhile, thermodynamic modeling with the help of advanced software provides a strong method for system design and optimization of organic Rankine cycle systems. The rapid progress the computer aid design and manufacturing technology make the application of medium and small ORC systems possible. This Research Topic intends to present the latest research progress in terms of organic working fluid design, system design and performance optimization, system integration and tests that focus on the most important theoretical and experimental developments, new applications of ORC technology and so on. Themes includes but are not limited to:
• Working fluid design and optimal selection
• Supercritical ORC
• Geothermal power system
• Solar energy power generation
• Waste heat recovery
Utilization of low-grade heat energy, especially for medium and small power applications, is critical for a sustainable energy development strategy of our world. Organic Rankine cycles using a working fluid different from water can recover various kinds of low-grade heat energy effectively, has and have great potential for low-grade heat utilization such as geothermal power plants, combined heat and power systems, and solar energy power generation. Recently, with the progress of molecular thermodynamic simulation technology, many new working fluids with good environmental and safety properties are being developed. Meanwhile, thermodynamic modeling with the help of advanced software provides a strong method for system design and optimization of organic Rankine cycle systems. The rapid progress the computer aid design and manufacturing technology make the application of medium and small ORC systems possible. This Research Topic intends to present the latest research progress in terms of organic working fluid design, system design and performance optimization, system integration and tests that focus on the most important theoretical and experimental developments, new applications of ORC technology and so on. Themes includes but are not limited to:
• Working fluid design and optimal selection
• Supercritical ORC
• Geothermal power system
• Solar energy power generation
• Waste heat recovery