Performance Analysis and Comprehensive Evaluation of Solar Organic Rankine Cycle Combined with Transcritical CO 2 Refrigeration Cycle.

In order to achieve efficient utilization of solar energy resources, this study combines the trans-critical organic Rankine cycle (ORC) power cycle (TORC) with the trans-critical CO₂ refrigeration cycle (TCO₂). Additionally, a comprehensive three-level index decision evaluation system is developed based on system safety and environmental protection, thermodynamics, and techno-economic performance. The evaluation focuses on typical medium- and high-temperature solar energy applications and considers six organic working gases. The evaluation results demonstrate that the R600 + CO₂ solution outperformed the others. This solution achieved a maximum net output power (P_net) of 1531.31 kW and 2306.43 kW, a maximum coefficient of performance (COP) of 3.16, a predicted payback period of 2.651 years and 2.033 years, and a benefit–investment ratio of 4.533 and 5.773. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]