Optimization of S-CO2 power conversion layouts with energy storage for the pulsed DEMO reactor

• Published in: Fusion engineering and design Vol. 169; p. 1
• Main Authors: Syblik, Jan, Entler, Slavomir, Stepanek, Jan, Dostal, Vaclav, Zacha, Pavel, Vesely, Ladislav
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.08.2021; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Brayton cycle; Brute-force; Carbon dioxide; DEMO; Design optimization; Electric power grids; Energy conversion efficiency; Energy storage; Layouts; Mathematical analysis; Nuclear fusion; Optimization; Power conversion cycle; Power reactors; Storage systems; Supercritical CO[formula omitted]; Upgrading; Nuclear fusion; Power conversion cycle; DEMO; Supercritical CO2; Brute-force; Energy storage
• ISSN: 0920-3796; 1873-7196
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2021.112609

Nowadays, the technology of fusion power reactors faces various engineering obstacles. One of the most discussed topics is the pulse and dwell period of the fusion power reactor, which may be the most challenging for material engineering, electrical power grid, energy storage systems, etc. The main goal of this research is to calculate the optimized parameters for power cycles to gain the highest efficiency. This article also describes the optimization method of a possible supercritical CO2 power conversion cycle in DEMO. For comparison, there were chosen two Brayton power cycle layouts using S-CO2. The calculation focuses on the optimization due to the difference between the gained electrical power for these two periods, which lowers the oscillations in the power output. Besides, the approach of calculation via upgraded software for the power conversion cycles optimization is described. The optimization of this specific DEMO design points to the simple Brayton cycle as a better choice due to simplicity, higher flexibility and slightly higher gross efficiency.