Tenoroc, LLC

How it works in a nutshell (cogeneration)

Electric power from waste heat is typically generated using a thermodynamic cycle called the organic Rankine cycle. The organic Rankine cycle is a thermodynamic cycle that uses an organic fluid as a medium to transfer heat rather than water (steam) that is used in the conventional Rankine cycle as is used in power plants. The process consists of transferring heat from the waste heat source into the organic working fluid in its liquid phase, causing it to gasify and dramatically increase in pressure. This pressure is then used to drive an electricity generating turbine. In the process of driving the turbine the fluid is partially expanded, cools, and loses pressure. The fluid is typically cooled further using a water or cooling source in order to return it to its liquid phase before exposing it again to the heat source that gasifies it and causes a significant increase in pressure to begin again the cycle.

Use of Tenoroc's Technology in the organic Rankine cycle

Typically a nearby water source is used to re-condense the working fluid for re-exposure to the waste heat source, which causes gasificaton and increased pressure to drive the turbine. In organic Rankine cycle applications that lack a cooling source for re-condensing, expansion devices, like nozzles, can be used to condense or re-liquefy the working fluid. However, in the process of causing the fluid to become colder and condense via expansion through a conventional nozzle, flash gas can occur or a significant portion of the fluid can remain gaseous. Any gas in the working fluid detracts from efficiency. Thus, the Tenoroc nozzle provides a unique opportunity to achieve pure, single phase liquid working fluid and a much more efficient system.