THE CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT OF AN EXPERT PROCESS DESIGN TOOL FOR ABOVE GROUND POWER GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Low enthalpy resources such as geothermal or waste heat can be used to generate electricity using the Organic Rankine Cycle process. The magnitude of power generated depends on resource characteristics and usually requires a process design in place which takes process thermodynamics into consideration. Preliminary results can be achieved with the application of engineering knowledge in areas such thermodynamics, materials, turbines and controls but this is not conveniently available to the industrial end user.
Preliminary resource analysis for power output and process design can be made possible in a framework of organised process data and design algorithms. This is the basis of a design tool which possesses expertise in process selection and decision-making capability for the user. Such a tool can provide valuable guidance in technical considerations as well as investment strategies when designing a new process. The presentation reflects on the mechanisms for development of a conceptual design tool as well as options for its future.