Selection of a Working Fluid for an Organic Rankine Cycle Coupled to a Salt-Gradient Solar Pond by Direct-Contact Heat Exchange

An analysis was conducted of power production by an organic Rankine cycle engine coupled to a solar pond with direct-contact heat exchange. Use of a direct-contact boiler reduced the projected plant cost by 25 percent. The choice of a working fluid affects plant efficiency, turbine size, and working fluid losses. Pentane was shown to be the working fluid best suited to this application.