Few studies have focused on the overall performance and internal flow field of small-scale turbine under off-design conditions in an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system. The small-scale turbine of an ORC system is often used at variable rotation rates for renewable energy and waste heat utilization. The 3D flow field of a small-scale

radial-axial flow turbine impeller is simulated with CFX software and verified by experimental data and design data

which uses R123 as work fluid. The variations of thermal efficiency and isentropic efficiency of impeller with the rotating rate are provided. The leaving-velocity loss of the turbine is the main cause of lower thermal efficiency at a low rotation rate. A revised equation for calculating the power output of a small-scale turbine under the off-design condition

which considers the change in the kinetic energy between the inlet and outlet of the turbine

is also proposed. The flow direction of working fluid should be considered when calculating the leaving-velocity loss at the outlet of the turbine. The isentropic efficiency of the turbine is evidently low at less than 20000 r·min-1

whereas the kinetic energy difference between the inlet and outlet of the turbine impeller is close to 0 at 60000 r·min-1.