Enhanced dynamic modeling of regenerative CO2 transcritical power cycles: Comparative analysis of Pham-corrected and conventional turbine models

Turbine modeling plays a critical role in assessing system power output and performance in CO₂ transcritical power cycle (CTPC) systems, particularly under dynamic operating conditions. Conventional turbine models often fail to provide accurate predictions when inlet parameters deviate from the design point, leading to discrepancies in system behavior. This paper introduces a novel methodology by integrating a Pham-based corrected turbine performance map into a regenerative CTPC dynamic system. This approach enhances turbine modeling accuracy compared to traditional models, such as the uncorrected turbine performance map, nozzle model, and empirical model. The proposed Pham-corrected model method improves system response stability, particularly in terms of inlet pressure and CO₂ mass flow rate under heat source temperature reductions, offering more reliable performance predictions. In contrast, the empirical model shows substantial deviations in net power output (32 kW or 4.0 %) and thermal efficiency (1.36 %), leading to longer system stabilization times. The Pham-corrected and uncorrected turbine performance map models exhibit similar responses under cooling water mass flow rate reductions but diverge in turbine inlet pressure trends compared to the nozzle and empirical models. Additionally, the uncorrected turbine performance map model shows significant deviations in net power (25.6 kW or 3.17 %) and thermal efficiency (0.5 %) under a 10 % reduction in pump speed. This study highlights the importance of correcting turbine inlet parameters and addressing prediction deviations in conventional models. The Pham-corrected turbine model improves reliability, performance prediction, and design optimization, especially under fluctuating heat sources. With its potential to enhance system stability and efficiency, this methodology offers significant prospects for future CTPC applications, including waste heat recovery and renewable energy integration.