Geothermal Energy with Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) Turbines

Geothermal energy provides a continuous source of renewable heat that can be used for reliable electricity generation. Where the available temperature is unsuitable for a conventional steam turbine process, Organic Rankine Cycle technology can convert geothermal heat into electrical energy using a closed thermodynamic cycle.

Instead of water, the ORC process uses an organic working fluid selected for the available temperature range. Heat from the geothermal source vaporizes the working fluid, which expands through a turbine and drives a generator. The fluid is subsequently condensed, pressurized and returned to the evaporator in a closed cycle.

LMF develops tailor-made ORC turbine solutions according to the available heat source, temperature range, working fluid, required power output and overall plant configuration.

ORC Turbines by LMF

ORC Turbines

Recommended for converting geothermal heat and other suitable low-temperature heat sources into electrical power.

  • Working-fluid flow:
    to be confirmed
  • Inlet and outlet pressure:
    to be confirmed
  • Power output:
    up to 10 MW

Selected Geothermal Energy References 

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Looking for an ORC turbine solution for your geothermal energy project?
Our experts evaluate the available heat source and project conditions to develop an ORC solution tailored to the required operating parameters and power output.

FAQs

The Organic Rankine Cycle is a thermodynamic process that converts heat into mechanical and subsequently electrical energy. It uses an organic working fluid that can vaporize at lower temperatures than water, allowing suitable low-temperature heat sources to be utilized.

Heat from the geothermal source is transferred to the ORC working fluid through a heat exchanger. The vaporized fluid expands through the turbine and drives a generator. It is then condensed and returned to the heat exchanger in a closed cycle.

Suitability depends on factors including source temperature, available thermal capacity, flow conditions, cooling options and required power output. The complete heat-source data must be evaluated for each project.

The working fluid is selected according to the temperature range, process design, efficiency requirements, environmental considerations and applicable regulations. It cannot be specified independently of the overall system.

Initial evaluation generally requires the heat-source medium, inlet and outlet temperatures, available flow, thermal capacity, cooling conditions and desired electrical output. Additional project and site requirements are considered during detailed engineering.