Web calculators for thermal energy systems

Introduction

 

pocketORC and pocketHP are steady-state design models for organic Rankine cycle (ORC) power plants and heat pumps. Both models operate straight from the browser (and hence from the phone in your pocket). The underlying models are written in the Python programming language and the PyScript framework is used to call Python code directly from HTML.

 

pocketORC and pocketHP are intended to be used as teaching aids to explore basic principles relating to both systems, whilst also serving as pocket calculators for people working within the field.

 

A note on thermodynamic property calculation

 

Within pocketORC and pocketHP, the thermodynamic properties of the working fluid are calculated using a specifically designed module based on the Peng-Robinson equation of state. Although this is not as accurate as state-of-the-art multi-parameter equations of state commonly used (e.g., CoolProp and REFPROP), the model is known to provide reasonable predictions for fluid properties, particularly in the vapour-phase region. The level of accuracy provided by the Peng-Robinson is considered sufficient for a tool whose primary purpose is teaching. If using the tool for any other purpose, please proceed with caution and make sure to verify any calculations with results obtained using a more well-suited equation of state.

 

Further reading and citation details

 

Please cite pocketTHERM using the following reference, where further information on the implementation of pocketTHERM can be found:

 

White, M.T., pocketTHERM: A web-based tool for teaching non-ideal thermodynamic cycles. SoftwareX 2024;27:101806. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.softx.2024.101806