Performance analysis and multi-objective optimization of organic Rankine cycle for low-grade sinter waste heat recovery

In order to enhance the sinter waste heat recovery (WHR) rate efficiently, the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for power production was applied to take the low-grade sinter cooling flue gas (SCFG) expelled from the waste heat boiler as the heat source. The system thermodynamic, thermo-economic and multi-objective optimization models were constructed firstly, and then R245fa was chosen as the ORC working fluid. Furthermore, the variations of system thermodynamic and thermo-economic performances with the ORC thermal parameters under different inlet temperatures of SCFG were analyzed in detail, and the ideal parameter combination was established through the multi-objective optimization approach. The results show that, the optimal inlet temperature of SCFG is determined to be 160 degrees C, and under the aforementioned condition of inlet temperature of SCFG, the optimal ORC thermal parameters are determined to be 95 degrees C for the working fluid evaporation temperature, 10 degrees C for the working fluid superheat degree, 28 degrees C for the working fluid condensation temperature and 9 degrees C for the pinch-point temperature difference in evaporator by considering the system thermodynamic and thermo-economic performances comprehensively. Meanwhile, the WHR rate of SCFG under the above ORC parameter combination could reach 64.86 %, showing remarkable energy-saving effect.