General – in all systems

The most important factors in the evaluation of an ORC system are the investment costs per kW and the overall efficiency, including all losses, which should exceed 18%. Moreover, the annual maintenance costs should be less than 0.5% of the total investment costs. The proven lifetime ought to exceed 80.000 operating hours, and the support should ideally be at 24x7. One of the most objective evaluation criteria is the amortization period, which should never exceed 4 years. Besides the initial investment costs, other factors play into this, such as maintenance costs, interest rates, subsidies, input compensation, savings, etc.

Amortization Period

A biogas plant powered by renewable resources and with a rated output of 500 kW receives an electric power compensation of ca. 0.16 € per kWh, according to EEG guidelines. Modern gas engines have an efficiency rating of about 40%. Through utilization of thermal waste heat output through the ORC module the overall efficiency of the biogas plant is increased to 45%. In a modern biogas plant, this corresponds to 61.000 €/year, not taking into consideration the potential EEG technology bonus of 0.02 €/kWh. Therefore, a profitable ORC system cannot exceed costs of more than 4,000 € per kW of installed electric output.

Costs of ORC Systems with Utilization of Industrial Waste Heat

Due to the complexity of the matter, an exact calculation of the installation costs for our ORCa^® technology in your plant/machines/technology/turbines can only be done after collecting your actual data. One of the main factors influencing the costs during calculation is the contents of the exhaust stream, since these can generate aggressive compounds such as sulfuric or fluoric acid. The installation of the exhaust heat exchangers must be done under consideration of this aspect, meaning that only titanium can be used as a working material in certain situations. This has a serious effect on the price of such a plant. Therefore, the amortization period of each individual ORC technology must be calculated anew, based on the existing conditions. ORmatiC GmbH ensures an individual solution, tailored to your specific requirements. Upon request we will examine the possibility of financial assistance with your investment costs through a KWK grant.

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