The working principle of the organic Rankine cycle is the same as that of the Rankine cycle: the working fluid is pumped to a boiler where it is evaporated, passed through an expansion device (turbine, screw, scroll, or other expander), and then through a condenser heat exchanger where it is finally re-condensed.

An Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system is a closed thermodynamic cycle used for power production from low to medium-high temperature heat sources ranging from 80 to 400°C and for small-medium applications at any temperature level.

In a solar Rankine cycle, thermal energy from the sun is utilized by means of a solar collector which acts as an evaporator to heat the working fluid of the Rankine cycle either directly, usually called direct vapor generation (DVG), or indirectly using a heat transfer fluid (HTF).

The Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is suitable for converting the thermal energy collected by solar panels into electricity through a thermodynamic cycle with a high level of efficiency. Using the ORC in a solar thermal application is a cost efficient solution for clients.