Will Seidel

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Will Seidel M.S. Graduate StudentMechanical
Engineering
Thesis Supercritical CO2 Brayton Cycles for CSP
Applications
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SCO2 Brayton Cycle for CSP Applications
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Why Supercritical CO2?

• High CO2 density near critical point allows
  reduced compressor work, enhancing cycle
  efficiency
• Higher density potentially allows smaller,
  simpler and cheaper turbomachinery.

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SCO2 Project Goals

• Assess Suitability of SCO2 Brayton Cycle for CSP
• Develop models to simulate performance of Brayton
  cycle options operating under various conditions
• Simplified simple heat exchangers, no pressure
  drop, simple compressor and turbine, real fluid
  properties
• Detailed detailed heat exchangers, more
  detailed compressor and turbine, real fluid
  properties
• Compare cycle models with results in the
  literature
• Implement cycle models into TRNSYS/SAM
• Couple simulation with CSP components under
  realistic operating conditions