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A self-condensing CO2 power system for widely adaptive underwater conditions

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Listed:
  • Yin, Haotian
  • Shi, Lingfeng
  • Zhang, Yonghao
  • Sun, Xiaocun
  • Wu, Zirui
  • He, Jintao
  • Tian, Hua
  • Shu, Gequn

Abstract

In the underwater environment, a nuclear-powered CO₂-based transcritical recuperative power cycle can effectively utilize the low temperature of seawater to achieve high-efficiency. To address the challenge of non-condensable working fluids in the epipelagic zone, a self-condensing subloop offers an effective solution. This study introduces a configuration for a self-condensing CO₂-based transcritical recuperative power cycle, establishes a thermodynamic model, investigates the negative impacts of the self-condensing subloop, and analyzes its operational strategies at various underwater depths. Results indicate, when CO₂ can condense in the cooler, the subloop consumes between 17.4 % and 36.9 % of generated power, which decreases as seawater temperatures rise at a cooler pressure of 8.5 MPa. Since the high heat capacity of the heat source, increasing turbine inlet temperature and pressure significantly improves system efficiency. Activation of the self-condensing subloop enhances power output with higher storage tank temperatures. Furthermore, when seawater temperatures exceed 23.4 °C, a linear functional relationship between seawater temperature and optimal cooler pressure is specifically proposed, which effectively optimizes system power output. The study recommends activating the self-condensing subloop when CO2 at cooler outlet exceed 28 °C, broadening applicable temperature range of transcritical power cycle systems in the ocean. Methods in this research include first-principle modeling and optimization.

Suggested Citation

  • Yin, Haotian & Shi, Lingfeng & Zhang, Yonghao & Sun, Xiaocun & Wu, Zirui & He, Jintao & Tian, Hua & Shu, Gequn, 2024. "A self-condensing CO2 power system for widely adaptive underwater conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 313(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:313:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224036120
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.133834
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    References listed on IDEAS

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