ORCHID
Organic Rankine Cycle Hybrid Integrated Device
The ORCHID setup implements a circuit in which an organic fluid flows, as a liquid in the low-temperature section, and as a dense vapor in the high-temperature section. The hot vapor can be sent to a supersonic nozzle for fundamental gas dynamics experiments and to a mini ORC turbine for testing purposes.
Research needs/objectives:
- Non Ideal Compressible Fluid Dynamics experimental information with applications in ORC turbines and non conventional turbomachinery.
- Accurate measurements for validation of CFD codes.
- Development of supersonic mini-ORC turbine design guidelines.
Main operational parameters:
- Maximum thermal energy input = 400 kWth
- Maximum thermal oil temperature = 400 °C
- Maximum working fluid pressure = 25 bar
Two test sections:
- Supersonic nozzle with optical access: schlieren + pressure profile. Commissioned in 2020. Planned improvements: PIV, Rayleigh scattering.
- Fully instrumented 10 kW mini-ORC radial turbine. Preliminary design completed in 2020, planned realization in 2021.
First Experiments in Non-Ideal Flows: Expansions in the Supersonic Nozzle
- Achievement of stable operating conditions at design points.
- Continuous Schlieren imaging during start-up and steady operation.
- Operation with inlet and throat conditions in NICFD regime.
