Steam and organic Rankine cycles

In this chapter, steam turbine cycles for power production processes and applications are introduced, covering both basic and advanced concepts. The Rankine cycle is specifically described with fundamental and conceptual background information. Thermodynamic analyses and performance assessments are conducted through both energy and exergy approaches. The models for both energy and exergy assessments are presented, and a comprehensive comparison is conducted. The historical and technological evolutions of steam turbine systems and organic Rankine cycles are discussed with technical and operational details. Additionally, illustrative examples and case studies are included to demonstrate how to perform key analyses and performance assessments for the cycles considered, and to explore how operating parameters and conditions affect their performance and efficiency. Also, future directions about steam and organic Rankine cycle technologies are discussed in this chapter.