Thermodynamic and economic assessment of two-stage series organic Rankine cycle (TSORC) and regenerative TSORC (R-TSORC) for a solar project in hot, non-temperate climate

•R-TSORC have higher thermodynamic and economic performances than TSORC.•The solar field of the R-TSORC is lower than that of the TSORC.•R-TSORC remain more competitive than TSORC.•R-TSORC has low EPC than the electricity self-generation costs for Cameroonian companies. This paper provides a thermodynamic and economic assessment of two-stage series organic Rankine cycle (TSORC) and regenerative TSORC (R-TSORC) for a solar project in hot, non-temperate climate. The objective thermodynamic parameters include the net power output (Pnet), the thermal efficiency (ηth) and exergy efficiency (ηex), while the objective economic parameters include the electricity production cost (EPC), the payback period (PBP) and the rate of return on investment (ROROI). The total length of the receiver tube has been also considered as objective parameter. The two solar ORCs were compared on the basis of the same thermal potential generated by the solar system. The results show that, for the same thermal potential of energy source, the R-TSORC requires more mass flow rate of heat transfer fluid, but with a total length of receiver tube less than the TSORC. However, the Pnet, ηth, ηex, EPC, PBP and ROROI of R-TSORC are more competitive than those of the TSORC. In addition, it was found that the EPC of R-TSORC is lower than the electricity self-generation costs for industrial companies in Cameroon. Therefore, the R-TSORC can be effectively exploited in the micro solar plants of hot, non-temperate regions where the electricity issues remain problematic.