Optimizing the S-CO2 cycle: A novel roadmap guided by the split method

• Published in: International communications in heat and mass transfer Vol. 157; p. 107775
• Main Authors: Guo, Yuandong, Sun, Enhui, Xu, Jinliang, Chang, Cheng, Wang, Zhaofu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Cooler flow reduction; Cycle optimization; Dry cooler heat recovery; S-CO2 cycle; Split method; S-CO2 cycle; Cooler flow reduction; Cycle optimization; Dry cooler heat recovery; Split method
• ISSN: 0735-1933
• DOI: 10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2024.107775

For the supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) cycle, the split method is limited to analyzing cycle performance by splitting the working fluid flow rate and components. In this study, we propose a new optimization method based on the split method, which can simply and efficiently improve the efficiency of complex cycles. The application of the split method is expanded and used to guide cycle optimization. Then, an optimization roadmap for generalized cycles is proposed. The numerical model of the recompression cycle with reheating (RC + RH) was implemented, which was split into two single regenerative cycles with reheating (SCRs), one exhibiting an efficiency below 100% (SCR1) and the other an efficiency of 100% (SCR2). Subsequently, a generalized optimization roadmap was proposed: (1) enhancing the energy efficiency of the cycle with an efficiency below 100% and (2) enhancing the mass flow rate ratio of the cycle with an efficiency of 100%. Based on the optimization roadmap, the air heat recovery was proposed for coal-fired plant, the net power efficiency increased from 45.61% to 46.40%. Our work provides a new roadmap for cycle optimization, and can serve as an important reference for optimizing the efficiency of a complex process in research.