Cryogenic ORC to Enhance the Efficiency of LNG Regasification Terminals

This paper focuses on the design and the optimization of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for LNG regasification plants. This technology is a promising solution with large benefits attainable in terms of primary energy savings compared to both Open Rack Vaporizer (ORV) and Submerged Combustion Vaporizer (SCV) technologies. Different cycle configurations are investigated including the option of multilevel condensation plants. The adoption of several working fluid candidates is analyzed and different design constraints are included to obtain a more reliable solution. The optimal combinations of cycle configuration and working fluid are presented with a preliminary design of the main components. Finally a dependency study on the seawater temperature is carried out.