Qbivio UK Micro ORC

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 Geothermal energy is a clean and renewable energy source that can be harnessed in a variety of ways. One of the most promising technologies for harnessing geothermal energy is the Micro Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). Another approach for harnessing geothermal energy is through the use of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). EGS involves artificially creating or enhancing the permeability of subsurface rock formations in order to extract geothermal energy. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, such as hydraulic fracturing or hot dry rock drilling. EGS has the potential to tap into a much larger resource base than traditional geothermal systems, as it is not limited to areas with naturally occurring reservoirs of hot water or steam.

The Micro ORC technology has several advantages for use with low enthalpy geothermal sources. It is well-suited for use in small-scale power generation projects, and it has the potential to provide a reliable and clean source of electricity for a wide range of applications.  For example, it could be used to power remote communities, or to provide electricity for agricultural or industrial purposes. The long-term benefits of using this technology, including its zero-carbon impact, can make it a worthwhile investment.

Waste heat recovery is the process of capturing and using the excess heat that is generated by industrial processes or equipment. This excess heat is released into the environment, where it goes to waste. However, with the right technology, it is possible to capture and use this waste heat to generate electricity, reducing the need for fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. One of the technologies that is well-suited for waste heat recovery is the Micro Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC).

The ORC is a type of power generation system that uses a working fluid, such as water or organic fluids, to convert low-temperature heat into electricity. It is an ideal technology for capturing the energy from waste heat sources, which are low-temperature and have a temperature below 150°C. The ORC system can also operate at a wide range of temperatures, with a typical operating range of 50-200°C.

One of the main advantages of using the ORC system for waste heat recovery is its zero-carbon impact. The ORC system does not produce any greenhouse gas emissions, making it a clean and sustainable energy source. It has a much lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel-based power generation technologies, which emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In fact, the carbon dioxide emissions from the ORC system are typically zero.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the ORC system can also provide significant economic benefits. The cost of generating electricity using the ORC system is typically lower than the cost of generating electricity using fossil fuels. This is because the ORC system uses a free and renewable energy source - waste heat - which reduces the need for expensive fuel inputs. The ORC system can also help companies to save on energy costs, as it allows them to use the waste heat that they would otherwise have to pay to dispose of.

Overall, the ORC system is an attractive option for waste heat recovery. It is a highly efficient and clean way of generating electricity from low-temperature heat sources, and it has the potential to play a significant role in the transition to a more sustainable energy future. The ORC system is a feasible option for companies looking to invest in waste heat recovery, as it offers a range of benefits including low operating costs, zero carbon emissions, and the ability to save on energy costs.

 Over the course of 2020, shipping accounted for about 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. The IMO has therefore introduced regulations that aim to reduce the carbon intensity of international shipping by 40% by 2030, and by 70% by 2050. However, many in the industry are calling for even more ambitious targets – zero emissions by 2050. The Micro Organic Rankine Cycle (Micro ORC) is a highly efficient and innovative technology that is increasingly being utilized in marine applications. This system utilizes organic fluids, such as propylene and butane, to convert waste heat into usable electricity. It is particularly well-suited for use in marine environments due to its compact size, low noise level, and ability to operate at high temperatures.

Many marine vessels, such as cargo ships and cruise ships, generate large amounts of waste heat as a byproduct of their operations. This heat is often released into the ocean, causing environmental damage, and contributing to global warming.  By using the Micro ORC system, these waste heat sources can be harnessed and transformed into useful energy, reducing the vessel's reliance on fossil fuels and lowering its carbon footprint.

In addition to generating electricity, the Micro ORC system can also be used to power various onboard systems, such as air conditioning and refrigeration. This is particularly useful for ships that operate in hot climates, where air conditioning is a critical component of comfort and safety. By using the Micro ORC system to power these systems, ships can significantly reduce their energy consumption and save money on fuel costs.

One specific example of the successful implementation of the Micro ORC system in a marine environment is the use of the system on a large container ship.  The ship generates approximately 2 MW of waste heat from its engines and other onboard systems. By using the Micro ORC system to capture and convert this waste heat into electricity, the ship was able to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by approximately 15%. This equated to a fuel cost savings of approximately $500,000 per year and a reduction of 3,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Another key benefit of the Micro ORC system is its ability to operate in a variety of marine environments. It is designed to withstand harsh conditions, including high winds, saltwater corrosion, and rough seas. This makes it an ideal choice for use on offshore oil rigs and other marine structures, where traditional power systems may not be feasible or reliable. Overall, the implementation of the Micro ORC system on the container ship was a resounding success. It not only provided significant cost savings and environmental benefits, but also improved the ship's overall efficiency and performance. 

One of the main benefits of using the Micro ORC system in petroleum wells is its ability to generate electricity from geothermal heat. Many petroleum wells have a natural geothermal gradient, meaning that the temperature increases as the well gets deeper. By using this technology, petroleum companies can significantly reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower their carbon footprint.

In addition to generating electricity, the Micro ORC system can also be used to power various onboard systems, such as pumps and compressors. This is particularly useful in remote locations where access to traditional power sources may be limited. By using the Micro ORC system to power these systems, petroleum companies can reduce their energy consumption and save money on fuel costs.

One specific example of the successful implementation of the Micro ORC system in a petroleum well is the use of the system in an offshore drilling operation in the Gulf of Mexico. The well had a natural geothermal gradient of approximately 20 degrees Celsius per kilometer, with a temperature of approximately 150 degrees Celsius at a depth of 3 kilometers. By using the Micro ORC system to capture and convert this geothermal heat into electricity, the drilling operation was able to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by approximately 25%. This equated to a fuel cost savings of approximately $1 million per year and a reduction of 5,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Overall, the implementation of the Micro ORC system in the offshore drilling operation was a resounding success. It not only provided significant cost savings and environmental benefits, but also improved the operation's overall efficiency and performance.