Process for operating a working fluid according to a steam thermodynamic cycle to produce work

In order to overcome the aforementioned problems, a process and related system 3 was devised to operate a working fluid producing superheated vapour without the use of additional critical units or intermediate phases to reduce the apparatus footprint and improve process efficiency. 5 Thus, the subject matter of the present invention is a process for operating a working fluid according to a steam thermodynamic cycle to produce work comprising the cyclic steps of: a) compressing a working fluid by means of a pumping unit (10) increasing temperature and pressure of the working fluid, the working fluid having initial temperature 10 and pressure conditions; b) heating the compressed working fluid by means of a first heating unit (20); c) evaporating the working fluid at the heated and compressed liquid state in an evaporation unit (30) generating a steam flow; d) expanding the steam flow from step c) in an expansion unit (40); 15 e) condensing at least a portion of the expanded steam fluid from step d) by means of a condensation unit (50) to obtain the working fluid substantially at the initial temperature and pressure conditions; f) sending the working fluid from step e) to step a); characterised in that step c) provides for superheating the steam flow by at least partially 20 dissolving at least one non-volatile solute in the working fluid and heating the solution obtained until the boiling temperature of the solution is reached and consequent production of superheated steam essentially consisting of the working fluid. Advantageously, the process and system of the present invention make it possible 25 to improve the efficiency of heat exchange in the cycle and to reduce the total volume of 4 the system for the same power compared to the prior art. Advantageously, the process and system of the present invention allow for improved efficiencies compared to Rankine cycles with superheated steam. Advantageously, the process and system of the present invention for the respective 5 system on which the process is implemented also allow a: • Reduction in investment costs • Reduction in operating costs • Reduction in maintenance costs • Reduction in monitoring and control costs