In the quest for energy-efficient buildings, researchers are turning to an unconventional yet promising technology: the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). A recent study led by Sabbah Ataya from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, explores how ORC systems can significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions in both residential and commercial buildings. The findings, published in *Case Studies in Thermal Engineering* (translated from Arabic as “Studies on Heat Transfer Systems”), offer a compelling glimpse into the future of sustainable building practices.
Ataya and his team delved into the integration of ORC technology with renewable energy sources, such as solar thermal, photovoltaic, and biomass systems. The results are striking. For instance, a heat pump/ORC hybrid system equipped with a 138.8 square meter solar thermal roof generated an impressive 3012 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy annually. This surpassed the building’s consumption of 2318 kWh/year, achieving an ORC efficiency of 4.2%. “The potential for energy conservation and emissions reduction through ORC integration is remarkable,” Ataya noted, highlighting the technology’s ability to transform how we power our buildings.
The study also examined a solar-powered ORC air-conditioning system, which demonstrated a 97% reduction in energy requirements, translating to annual savings of $2010. Similarly, a biomass solar hybrid ORC system met 97.1% of heating demands and 25.85% of electricity needs, with an operational efficiency of 53.33%. These findings underscore the versatility and effectiveness of ORC technology in creating Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) and even Positive Energy Buildings (PEBs), which produce more energy than they consume.
The research further explored ORC-based Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and trigeneration systems, where regenerative flow turbines achieved isentropic efficiencies ranging from 4.97% to 14.52%. These advancements could revolutionize the energy sector, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for buildings worldwide.
As the global push for decarbonization intensifies, ORC technology stands out as a key player in advancing sustainable building practices. “The integration of ORC with renewable energy sources is not just a theoretical possibility; it’s a practical solution that can be implemented today,” Ataya emphasized. The study’s findings suggest that ORC systems could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy-efficient buildings, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly built environment.
For the energy sector, the implications are profound. ORC technology offers a viable path to reducing energy consumption and emissions, making it an attractive option for developers and policymakers alike. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, innovations like ORC systems provide a beacon of hope, demonstrating that sustainable and efficient building practices are within reach.