Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is a power generation method that utilizes small temperature difference between the warm surface water and cold deep water of the ocean. This paper describes the performance simulation results of an OTEC plant that utilizes not only ocean thermal energy but...

In the present study, the new environmentally-compatible vehicle was designed to mitigate urban warming, air pollution and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the urban area. Principal specifications for its optimal design will be clarified and it will be shown that urban environment is improved...

HFO−1234yf is a new refrigerant with a nearly zero global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP); it exhibits thermodynamic properties similar to HFC−134a. The potential of HFO−1234yf as a working fluid for organic Rankine cycles (ORC) is elucidated through a...

The first experiment on a pumpless Rankine-type cycle (PRC) with a practical expander was performed to verify the feasibility of the PRC in power generation from low-grade heat sources. The PRC is an alternative to a Rankine cycle (RC) for lower output power and lower- and/or unstable...

In this study, a μ-ORC (micro organic Rankine cycle) generator that produces net positive power from low-grade heat (i.e., temperature below 100 °C) was experimentally demonstrated. First, the basic performance of a 10-Wp μ-ORC prototype with a small originally developed displacement-type...