Carbon Dioxide Condensation Cycles For Power Production

TLDR

CO₂ condensation cycles are geographically limited by the need for low‑temperature cooling water. The study analyzes the thermodynamic performance of various CO₂ condensation cycles. Balanced loss distribution in CO₂ cycles yields efficiencies among the highest today, and at inlet temperatures above 650 °C single‑heating CO₂ cycles outperform reheat steam cycles, making them attractive for high‑temperature nuclear heat sources.

Abstract

The thermodynamic performance of several condensation cycles employing carbon dioxide as working medium is analyzed and discussed. A balanced distribution of thermodynamic losses between mechanical components and heat exchangers attained through a compression performed partially in the liquid and partially in the gas phase yields cycle efficiencies which are among the highest achievable in present-day energy systems. At turbine inlet temperatures higher than 650 deg C single heating CO2 cycles exhibit a better efficiency than reheat steam cycles. This may prove of particular interest in connection with high temperature nuclear heat sources. However, the requirement of low temperature cooling water for a good cycle arrangement represents a geographical limitation to the widespread application of CO2 condensation cycles.