Development of a prototype low-temperature Rankine cycle electricity generation system

This paper describes the development of a small-scale system designed to generate electricity from low temperature heat (e.g., solar energy). The system operates on the Rankine cycle and uses n-pentane as the working fluid. A prototype system has been designed, constructed and tested. It is capable of delivering 1.5 kW of electricity with a thermal efficiency of 4.3%. Laboratory test results and a cost estimate for the prototype unit are presented in the paper.