Quasi-steady state simulation of an organic Rankine cycle for waste heat recovery in a passenger vessel

In this work we present the quasi-steady state simulation of a regenerative organic Rankine cycle (ORC) integrated in a passenger vessel, over a standard round trip. The study case is the M/S Birka Stockholm cruise ship, which covers a daily route between Stockholm (Sweden) and Mariehamn (Finland). Experimental data of the exhaust gas temperatures, engine loads, and electricity demand on board were logged over a period of four weeks. These data where used as inputs for a simulation model of an ORC for waste heat recovery of the exhaust gases. A quasi-steady state simulation was carried out on an off-design model, based on optimized design conditions, to estimate the average net power production of the ship over a round trip. The maximum net power production of the ORC during the round trip was estimated to supply approximately 22% of the total power demand on board. The results showed a potential for ORC as a solution for the maritime transport sector to accomplish the new and more restrictive regulations on emissions, and to reduce the total fuel consumption.