Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Mechanical Engineering

This paper presents the thermodynamic study of a thermal system which combines an organic Rankine cycle and an ejector–refrigeration cycle. The combined cycle could be driven by low-temperature heat source, that is solar energy. Required energy of combined cycle is provided by the parabolic dish collectors. According to the amount of combined cycle required energy, the number of needed collectors is calculated. For analysis of the cycle, a simulation has been performed using R123 as the working fluid. To this end, the effect of variation in heat source, the evaporator, and the cooling water temperatures as well as the expansion ratio, the input and output pressures of turbine on thermal efficiency, exergy efficiency, and exergy destruction has been investigated in each component and the entire system. Thermal efficiency and exergy efficiency of 13.41 and 24.89 % are obtained at a heat source inlet temperature of 140C. Also, it is observed that the greatest exergy destruction occurs in the steam generator.