Journal of Engineering for Power · 1968 · 476 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesMechanical EngineeringNuclear EngineeringHeat TransferNuclear Fuel CycleThermodynamicsCondensationCondensation ProcessesPower CyclesThermodynamic CyclesCarbon Dioxide CondensationEfficiencyHeat SourcesInlet CompressionThermodynamic AnalysisThermodynamic Performance AnalysisThermodynamic Performance ModelingThermodynamic Processes
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.
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.