Oxhy and Tresol explore ORC integration for solar thermal electricity generation
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a preliminary, non-commercial framework to evaluate the integration of TVP Solar thermal technology with a compact ORC prototype for electricity generation
Oxhy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tresol S.r.l. to launch a preliminary research and testing programme focused on the integration of Oxhy’s Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology with a solar thermal field based on TVP Solar MT Power technology.
The objective is to assess whether thermal energy generated by the TVP Solar system can be transferred to an Oxhy ORC prototype and converted into usable electrical energy, through dedicated plant interfaces and a heat exchanger. The MoU does not establish a commercial offering for customers. It provides a structured framework for feasibility analysis, pre-engineering, testing, data collection and the possible definition of a future proof of concept. The agreement supports Oxhy’s ongoing work on ORC technology and its validation in real operating environments.
A renewable thermal source for electricity-generation testing
At Tresol’s facility in Avellino, a solar thermal field based on TVP Solar MT Power v4 panels consists of approximately 175 collectors arranged in 25 strings of 7 panels. In the absence of a dedicated thermal user, part of the energy generated by the solar field is currently dissipated through a dry cooler. This excess heat represents a potentially recoverable resource. Through this research and testing programme, Oxhy and Tresol will assess whether part of this thermal energy can be supplied to a compact ORC prototype and converted into electricity.
The activities will generate technical and operational data that may support subsequent steps, including a proof of concept, an on-site pilot or a further co-development agreement. Any future commercial development would require separate evaluation and dedicated contractual arrangements.
Planned research and testing activities
The MoU defines a preliminary collaboration framework covering:
- analysis of the thermal integration between the solar field and the ORC prototype;
- definition of operating ranges for temperature, flow rate, pressure and available thermal power;
- identification of the required heat exchanger, plant interfaces and measurement points;
- development of a test plan with KPIs, success criteria and safety procedures;
- monitoring and analysis of thermal and electrical performance data;
- preliminary techno-economic assessment of the solution’s replicability.
The parties will establish a joint working group to define the technical scope, site constraints, test requirements and possible next steps.
A step in Oxhy’s ORC development programme
The collaboration with Tresol fits into Oxhy’s broader ORC development programme, in continuity with Origin – Organic Rankine Innovative Generator for Industrial Needs, recently selected under the STEP Lazio grant.
Oxhy is developing compact and modular ORC systems designed to recover energy from low- and medium-temperature thermal sources and convert it into electricity. The current phase is focused on research, engineering and validation. The aim is to progress toward pre-industrial systems that can be tested under real operating conditions before any future commercial deployment is considered.
A partnership focused on technical validation
For Oxhy, the MoU with Tresol represents the type of industrial collaboration needed to assess technologies under realistic conditions. The programme is focused on technical validation, data collection, definition of operating requirements, assessment of electricity-generation performance and identification of possible future development pathways. The immediate goal is not to introduce a commercial solution, but to understand rigorously how a compact ORC prototype can integrate with TVP Solar thermal technology and convert otherwise unused heat into electrical energy.
Toward future on-site validation
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks the beginning of an exploratory research and testing phase. The next steps will include technical data exchange, site assessment, definition of the thermal interface and preparation of a possible test plan.
Oxhy will continue to develop partnerships aimed at validating its ORC technology in real-world environments, with the objective of progressing from applied research to engineering and, subject to successful testing and further agreements, toward future pilot and industrial applications.