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Comparative performance analysis of recuperative helium and supercritical CO₂ Brayton cycles for high-temperature energy systems

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  • Teja, D V Harsha
  • Muvvala, Pullarao
  • Prashanth Nittala, Noel Anurag
  • Bandhu, Din
  • Khan, M. Ijaz
  • Saxena, Kuldeep K.
  • Khan, Muhammad Imran

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of recuperative Brayton cycles utilizing helium (He) and supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) as working fluids for high-temperature power generation, focusing on applications in next-generation concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. Thermodynamic cycle simulations were conducted across a temperature range of 1000 K–2000 K, exploring the effects of low-side pressure (1 bar–100 bar) and expansion ratio (1–5) on key performance indicators. These indicators included thermal efficiency, net specific work output, mass flow rate, volumetric flow rate, and system irreversibilities. Results demonstrate that helium-based Brayton cycles exhibit superior thermal efficiency at high temperatures, reaching up to 65 %, compared to sCO2 cycles, which achieve efficiencies up to 55 %. This advantage stems from helium's higher specific heat capacity and lower pressure drops within the cycle. Conversely, sCO2 cycles demonstrate higher net specific work output due to the fluid's higher density, leading to more compact turbomachinery. The study further investigates the impact of irreversibilities, including pressure losses, leakage losses, and heat transfer losses, on cycle performance. A detailed analysis of multi-stage Brayton cycles incorporating intercoolers and reheaters reveals the potential for further efficiency enhancements in both helium and sCO2 systems. This research provides valuable insights for the design and optimization of high-temperature power generation systems, particularly for next-generation CSP plants. The findings highlight the trade-offs between working fluid properties and cycle configurations, guiding the selection of optimal solutions based on specific application requirements and operating conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Teja, D V Harsha & Muvvala, Pullarao & Prashanth Nittala, Noel Anurag & Bandhu, Din & Khan, M. Ijaz & Saxena, Kuldeep K. & Khan, Muhammad Imran, 2024. "Comparative performance analysis of recuperative helium and supercritical CO₂ Brayton cycles for high-temperature energy systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:312:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224032456
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.133469
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhang, Yifan & Li, Hongzhi & Han, Wanlong & Bai, Wengang & Yang, Yu & Yao, Mingyu & Wang, Yueming, 2018. "Improved design of supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle for coal-fired power plant," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 155(C), pages 1-14.
    2. Iverson, Brian D. & Conboy, Thomas M. & Pasch, James J. & Kruizenga, Alan M., 2013. "Supercritical CO2 Brayton cycles for solar-thermal energy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 957-970.
    3. Padilla, Ricardo Vasquez & Soo Too, Yen Chean & Benito, Regano & Stein, Wes, 2015. "Exergetic analysis of supercritical CO2 Brayton cycles integrated with solar central receivers," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 348-365.
    4. Mecheri, Mounir & Le Moullec, Yann, 2016. "Supercritical CO2 Brayton cycles for coal-fired power plants," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 758-771.
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