<![CDATA[The growing demand for efficient onboard air-conditioning systems has encouraged the exploration of alternative energy recovery approaches in maritime operations. In this context, the present work evaluates a hybrid ORC-VCR system that harnesses waste heat from engine exhaust gases and cooling water circuits to support shipboard climate control. A comprehensive thermodynamic framework is established to assess and compare the operational performance of three working fluids: R601, R1233zd, and R1234ze. To enhance overall system effectiveness, an optimization analysis is carried out to evaluate various working fluids and define the operating parameters that enable the highest achievable efficiency. The analysis considers key parameters, including heat source temperature, condensing temperature, as well as hot water mass flow rate levels. Analysis outcomes demonstrate that variations in working fluid selection lead to significant differences in overall efficiency and operational performance parameters. Among the fluids evaluated, R1234ze demonstrates the highest overall performance under the examined operating conditions. In addition, system performance metrics, including output capacity and coefficient of performance, are substantially governed by variations in heat source temperature and condensing conditions. Adjustment of the hot water flow rate effectively controls the evaporator temperature, contributing to system optimization. In summary, performance assessment results indicate that R1234ze offers the greatest efficiency, making it the optimal choice for implementation in the proposed shipboard waste heat recovery system.]]>
