Fundamentals and Applications of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (SCO2) Based Power Cycles

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) power cycles can offer higher efficiencies than the steam turbine Rankine cycle and are therefore of significant interest for power generation. This book aims to provide engineers and researchers with an authoritative overview of research and technology in this area. Part 1 introduces the technology and reviews the properties of SCO2 relevant to power cycles. The following part of the book addresses components for SCO2 power cycles, such as turbomachinery expanders, compressors and recuperators, as well as design challenges, such as the need for high-temperature materials. Chapters on key applications including waste heat, nuclear power, fossil energy, geothermal and concentrated solar power are included in Part 3. The final section addresses major international research programs. Readers will learn about the attractive features of SC02 power cycles, which include a lower capital cost potential than the traditional cycle, and the compounding performance benefits from a more efficient thermodynamic cycle on balance of plant requirements, fuel use and emissions. Other unique features of the cycles explored in the book include the lower water use, higher power density turbo machinery and simplified CO2 purification requirements. First book to focus exclusively on SC02 power cycles Detailed coverage of cycle fundamentals, key components and design challenges in Parts 1 and 2 Chapters in Part 3 address the wide range of applications of SC02 power cycles, from more efficient electricity generation to ship propulsion.