Analyzing A Low-Grade Heat Rankine Cycle Using Different Working Fluids

Author : Zaid H. Yaseen

Abstract :Rankine cycles are types of power cycles that utilize a working fluid, also known as the heat transfer f luid, to provide a work output form the cycle’s turbine in order to generate power. In fact, Rankine cycles operate over a wide range of temperatures, from low-grade temperature sources (for example: solar, geothermal and other energy sources) to high-grade heat sources. Choosing the working fluid in a Rankine cycle depends on many factors such as: the thermal efficiency of the cycle, the fluid’s availability and the safety precautions associated with using that type of fluid. In this work, five working f luids (Carbon Dioxide, R134a, R600, HFE7000 and n-Pentane) will be tested in a Rankine cycle via simulation models to check the thermal efficiency and performance of each fluid. Results showed that carbon dioxide (CO2) provided better results among other alternatives with a thermal efficiency reaching 20% and a generated work output reaching 100 kW.

Keywords :Rankine Cycles, Working Fluids, Thermal Efficiency, Carbon Dioxide

Conference Name :International Conference on Mechanical, Robotics and Aerospace Engineering (ICMRAE-25)

Conference Place Taif, Saudi Arabia

Conference Date 2nd Jun 2025