Parameter and layout optimization of a high temperature solar combined cycle using low temperature thermal storage

A novel high temperature solar supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO₂) and organic Rankine cycle (ORC) combined power system with low temperature thermal storage is introduced. The heat releasing of the S-CO₂ can be used as the heat source of the ORC. This system could keep high thermal efficiency, whereas thermal storage temperature is far lower than the maximum temperature of the system. Previous work has proved that the system efficiency can be kept at 38% when the thermal storage temperature is in the range of 220∼230°C. Basic relationship among system efficiency, power ratio and thermal storage temperature are analyzed. The key parameters of the system are optimized under certain constraints. Three possible improved layouts of this system are discussed in the end.