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Performance analysis of a scramjet engine thermoelectric conversion system using the SCO2 closed Brayton cycle

Author

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  • Luo, Qianqian
  • Luo, Lei
  • Xing, Haifeng
  • Du, Wei
  • Yan, Han

Abstract

This study presents a thermoelectric conversion system (TCS) for a scramjet engine, based on the supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) closed Brayton cycle (CBC). A coupled model is developed, integrating the scramjet engine's combustion chamber, wall cooling channels, and the SCO2 CBC. The system's performance is analyzed under a free-stream Mach number of 7.7, with compressor outlet pressure (pC,out) varying from 17.5 MPa to 30 MPa, while considering the impact of working fluid mass flow rate (m) and recompression split ratio (xRC). The results indicate that there are crossover points in the performance between the regenerative CBC (Reg.CBC) and recompression CBC (Rec.CBC) as pC,out varies. Specifically, when pC,out is below a certain threshold, the Reg.CBC performs better, while the Rec.CBC achieves superior performance when pC,out exceeds this value. Within the parameter range studied, the optimal performance for the Reg.CBC corresponds to a thermal efficiency (ηth) of 32.33 %, net power (Pnet) of 492.01 kW, and cooling fuel mass flow rate (mfc) of 0.490 kg/s. The optimal performance for the Rec.CBC corresponds to a ηth of 35.65 %, Pnet of 541.12 kW, and mfc of 0.471 kg/s.

Suggested Citation

  • Luo, Qianqian & Luo, Lei & Xing, Haifeng & Du, Wei & Yan, Han, 2025. "Performance analysis of a scramjet engine thermoelectric conversion system using the SCO2 closed Brayton cycle," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 254(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:254:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125012686
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123606
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    References listed on IDEAS

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