Recent developments of control strategies for organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems

Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is one of the most rapidly growing approaches to utilizing low grade thermal energy. This paper deals with the main control problems existed in ORC systems and overviews the main approaches presented in literature. The main ORC operating modes are introduced, the control strategies of ORC systems are then surveyed. Thus, this paper presents a comprehensive review of overall control strategies for ORC energy conversion systems and points out research trend on ORC control systems.