Geothermal Binary Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) Calculator
Determine thermal efficiency, gross and net electrical generation (MWe), and heat exchanger pinch limits for low-to-medium enthalpy geothermal brine.
Brine Resource & Working Fluid
Thermodynamic Efficiency & Megawatts
Recommended Tools & Equipment
Tested hardware and components for high reliability
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a binary Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) geothermal power plant work?
In a binary cycle, moderate-temperature geothermal brine (100°C–180°C) passes through a heat exchanger to boil a low-boiling-point hydrocarbon or refrigerant (like isobutane or pentane) in a closed loop. The high-pressure organic vapor expands through a turbine before being condensed and pumped back.
Why are binary ORC plants preferred for closed-loop zero-emission power?
Because the geothermal brine is kept under pressure throughout the heat exchangers and reinjected 100% back underground, zero greenhouse gases (CO2, H2S) or steam plumes are emitted to the atmosphere.
What is the typical thermal efficiency of an ORC plant?
Because geothermal heat sources operate at moderate temperatures compared to fossil or nuclear plants, thermal efficiency is fundamentally Carnot-limited, typically ranging between 10% and 15%.