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Session: Parallel Session: Operational Experience I
Session starts: Thursday 22 September, 10:00
Presentation starts: 10:20
Room: Frans van Hasseltzaal

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Jos van Buijtenen (Tri-O-Gen / TU Delft)

Abstract:
Starting from 2002, a novel ORC power unit has been developed by Tri-O-Gen B.V. of The Netherlands, based on technology originally defined in Finland (Lappeenranta University of Technology). The development in The Netherlands was strongly supported by the Dutch government (AgentschapNL), involving among others Delft University of Technology and the Dutch National Aerospace Laboratory NLR. The ORC system is based on a thermally stable hydro-carbon as a working fluid, hence suitable for direct use of intermediate temperature heat sources from 350 C and above. The core of the unit consists of a combined turbine – generator – pump: the High Speed Turbo-Generator (HTG). Thanks to the use of a high speed generator (26 – 27 krpm), the turbine and pump could be laid out at their optimum specific speed, leading to high internal efficiencies. Moreover, this concept allowed for a seal-less design: no shaft seals are necessary, and the only interaction between the internals and the outside world are flanged connections for the working fluid to enter and exit the HTG and the well-sealed electric cables. Lubrication of bearings and cooling of the generator is taken care of by the working fluid itself, so there is no need for lub-oil and related system. The unit can therefore be considered completely hermetic. After successful testing of the prototype, the first commercial package was designed (called the WB1), consisting of four modules for turn-key delivery: • The standard process module, made up of HTG, recuperator, condenser, hot well, pre feed pump, main valve and bypass valve, including connecting piping and instrumentation • The heat supply module: an evaporator tuned at the conditions of the available heat, to be connected directly to the heat source • The heat rejection module: the cooling system for the cooling water which cools the condenser, tuned to the need for extra low temperature heat usage or to the local ambient conditions. • The standard power preparation module, which connects the high speed generator directly to the grid to supply the power at 400 V, 3 phase, 50 or 60 Hz. Fourteen units are now in commercial operation in different applications, while there are more than 10 units on order. Heat sources vary from exhaust gasses of gas- and diesel engines to landfill gas combustion and wood firing as well as industrial waste heat. This presentation will describe the unique features of the design, such as the hermetically closed turbo generator, the cycle design and the balance of plant. Units are being built as a standard packages for 60 to 165 kWe, being adapted to the heat source by sizing the evaporator. Moreover, current operating experience (more than 50.000 accumulated hours) will be reported on.