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Waste Heat Recovery System Performance Analysis Using Organic Rankine Cycle for Marine Applications
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Marine, Offshore, Power plant
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714551
Abstract
The maritime industry faces stringent decarbonization targets, with waste heat from marine diesel engines representing a substantial untapped energy resource amounting to 50-65% of fuel input. This study presents a comprehensive thermodynamic and exergoeconomic analysis of an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system integrated with a large marine two-stroke diesel engine for waste heat recovery. A distributed-parameter model of the ORC system is developed in MATLAB, incorporating realistic heat source characteristics from main engine exhaust gases (250-350°C) and jacket cooling water (80-90°C). Working fluid selection is optimized among R245fa, R1233zd(E), and R134a based on thermodynamic performance, environmental impact (GWP/ODP), and safety considerations for marine applications. The system achieves net power output of 487 kW, representing 6.8% improvement in overall engine efficiency, with exergy efficiency of 52.3%. Exergy destruction analysis identifies the evaporator (38.7%) and condenser (24.3%) as primary loss locations. Economic analysis reveals a payback period of 4.2 years at current fuel prices, with CO2 emission reduction of 2,850 tonnes annually. The novelty lies in marine-specific optimization considering confined installation spaces, variable engine loads under real operating profiles, and integration with existing ship systems. Results demonstrate that ORC-based WHRS offers a viable pathway for EEDI Phase 3 compliance and operational carbon intensity reduction for existing vessel retrofits.
Keywords
Organic Rankine Cycle, Marine Diesel Engine, Waste Heat Recovery, Exergy Analysis, Energy Efficiency.
How to cite this paper
@article{1714551,
author = {Kombo Thephilus-Johnson, Elakpa Augustine},
title = {Waste Heat Recovery System Performance Analysis Using Organic Rankine Cycle for Marine Applications},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {8},
pages = {1688-1699},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1714551.pdf},
abstract = {The maritime industry faces stringent decarbonization targets, with waste heat from marine diesel engines representing a substantial untapped energy resource amounting to 50-65% of fuel input. This study presents a comprehensive thermodynamic and exergoeconomic analysis of an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system integrated with a large marine two-stroke diesel engine for waste heat recovery. A distributed-parameter model of the ORC system is developed in MATLAB, incorporating realistic heat source characteristics from main engine exhaust gases (250-350°C) and jacket cooling water (80-90°C). Working fluid selection is optimized among R245fa, R1233zd(E), and R134a based on thermodynamic performance, environmental impact (GWP/ODP), and safety considerations for marine applications. The system achieves net power output of 487 kW, representing 6.8% improvement in overall engine efficiency, with exergy efficiency of 52.3%. Exergy destruction analysis identifies the evaporator (38.7%) and condenser (24.3%) as primary loss locations. Economic analysis reveals a payback period of 4.2 years at current fuel prices, with CO2 emission reduction of 2,850 tonnes annually. The novelty lies in marine-specific optimization considering confined installation spaces, variable engine loads under real operating profiles, and integration with existing ship systems. Results demonstrate that ORC-based WHRS offers a viable pathway for EEDI Phase 3 compliance and operational carbon intensity reduction for existing vessel retrofits.},
keywords = {Organic Rankine Cycle, Marine Diesel Engine, Waste Heat Recovery, Exergy Analysis, Energy Efficiency.},
month = {February},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714551}
}