Studies of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Brayton Cycle Performance Coupled to Various Heat Sources

Author(s):  
Yoonhan Ahn ◽  
Jekyoung Lee ◽  
Seong Gu Kim ◽  
Jeong Ik Lee

The concern about the global climate change and the unstable supply of fossil fuels stimulate the research of the new energy source utilization and the efficient energy system design. As the interests on the future energy sources and renovating the conventional power plants grow, an efficient and widely applicable power conversion system is required to satisfy both requirements. S-CO2 cycle is considered as a promising candidate with the advantages of 1) relatively high efficiency in the modest temperature (450–750°C) region because of non-ideal properties near the critical point, 2) effectively reduced size of the total cycle with compact turbo-machines and heat exchangers, 3) potential for using in various applications with competitive efficiency and simple layout. The S-CO2 cycle was originally considered as an attractive candidate for the power conversion cycle of the next generation nuclear reactors. However, due to many benefits of the S-CO2 cycle, it is recently considered in other conventional and renewable energy system applications including fossil fuel power plant system, ship propulsion application, concentrated solar power system, fuel cell bottoming power cycle and so on. This paper will discuss about the design of S-CO2 cycle for the various energy system applications over different temperature range. Unlike a large size power plant which usually focuses more on maximizing the cycle efficiency, a small capacity energy system is seriously concerned about the total size of the cycle. In this manner, several preliminary S-CO2 cycle designs will be compared in terms of the efficiency and the physical size. Various layouts and components of S-CO2 cycle are compared to find the optimum cycle for each energy systems. The in-house codes developed by the KAIST research team are used to evaluate the various cycle performances and component preliminary designs. The obtained results will be compared to the conventional power conversion systems along with its implication to other existing designs.

2011 ◽  
Vol 110-116 ◽  
pp. 2049-2053
Author(s):  
Sandeep G. Kotakar ◽  
Ravindra R. Navthar

We are aware of the present scientific concerns regarding greenhouse gas emissions and the role of fossil fuel use for power generation. Although the scientific and policy dialogue on global climate change is far from conclusive, we want to design high efficiency power generation equipment with the most modern technologies to utilize fossil fuels with the lowest possible emissions and technologies to remove and sequester carbon dioxide created in power plants in an environmentally and economically favorable manner. This paper is an overview of activities to study and develop controls for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power generation. First, energy efficiency improvements for both new and Existing fossil fuel power plants are briefly reviewed for both coal and natural gas fuels. Greater depth is then given to options for CO2 capture and sequestration. These studies are looking at current and novel power generation technologies.


Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 811
Author(s):  
Yaqin Hu ◽  
Yusheng Shi

The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) has increased rapidly worldwide, aggravating the global greenhouse effect, and coal-fired power plants are one of the biggest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions in China. However, efficient methods that can quantify CO2 emissions from individual coal-fired power plants with high accuracy are needed. In this study, we estimated the CO2 emissions of large-scale coal-fired power plants using Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) satellite data based on remote sensing inversions and bottom-up methods. First, we mapped the distribution of coal-fired power plants, displaying the total installed capacity, and identified two appropriate targets, the Waigaoqiao and Qinbei power plants in Shanghai and Henan, respectively. Then, an improved Gaussian plume model method was applied for CO2 emission estimations, with input parameters including the geographic coordinates of point sources, wind vectors from the atmospheric reanalysis of the global climate, and OCO-2 observations. The application of the Gaussian model was improved by using wind data with higher temporal and spatial resolutions, employing the physically based unit conversion method, and interpolating OCO-2 observations into different resolutions. Consequently, CO2 emissions were estimated to be 23.06 ± 2.82 (95% CI) Mt/yr using the Gaussian model and 16.28 Mt/yr using the bottom-up method for the Waigaoqiao Power Plant, and 14.58 ± 3.37 (95% CI) and 14.08 Mt/yr for the Qinbei Power Plant, respectively. These estimates were compared with three standard databases for validation: the Carbon Monitoring for Action database, the China coal-fired Power Plant Emissions Database, and the Carbon Brief database. The comparison found that previous emission inventories spanning different time frames might have overestimated the CO2 emissions of one of two Chinese power plants on the two days that the measurements were made. Our study contributes to quantifying CO2 emissions from point sources and helps in advancing satellite-based monitoring techniques of emission sources in the future; this helps in reducing errors due to human intervention in bottom-up statistical methods.


Author(s):  
Shane E. Powers ◽  
William C. Wood

With the renewed interest in the construction of coal-fired power plants in the United States, there has also been an increased interest in the methodology used to calculate/determine the overall performance of a coal fired power plant. This methodology is detailed in the ASME PTC 46 (1996) Code, which provides an excellent framework for determining the power output and heat rate of coal fired power plants. Unfortunately, the power industry has been slow to adopt this methodology, in part because of the lack of some details in the Code regarding the planning needed to design a performance test program for the determination of coal fired power plant performance. This paper will expand on the ASME PTC 46 (1996) Code by discussing key concepts that need to be addressed when planning an overall plant performance test of a coal fired power plant. The most difficult aspect of calculating coal fired power plant performance is integrating the calculation of boiler performance with the calculation of turbine cycle performance and other balance of plant aspects. If proper planning of the performance test is not performed, the integration of boiler and turbine data will result in a test result that does not accurately reflect the true performance of the overall plant. This planning must start very early in the development of the test program, and be implemented in all stages of the test program design. This paper will address the necessary planning of the test program, including: • Determination of Actual Plant Performance. • Selection of a Test Goal. • Development of the Basic Correction Algorithm. • Designing a Plant Model. • Development of Correction Curves. • Operation of the Power Plant during the Test. All nomenclature in this paper utilizes the ASME PTC 46 definitions for the calculation and correction of plant performance.


Author(s):  
Petrus D. Kemp ◽  
Chris Nieuwoudt

A large interest in High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGR) has been shown in recent years. HTGR power plants show a number of advantages over existing technology including improved safety, modular design and high temperatures for process heat applications. HTGR plants with closed loop direct cycle power conversion units have unique transient responses which is different from existing nuclear plants as well as conventional non-nuclear power plants. The operation and control for a HTGR power plant therefore poses new and different challenges. This paper describes the modes of operation for the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) demonstration plant. The PBMR demonstration plant is an advanced helium-cooled, graphite-moderated HTGR consisting of a closed loop direct cycle power conversion unit. The use of transient analysis simulation makes it possible to develop effective control strategies and design controllers for use in the power conversion unit as well as the reactor. In addition to plant controllers the operator tasks and operational technical specifications can be developed and evaluated making use of transient analysis simulation of the plant together with the control system. The main challenges in the operation and control of the reactor and power conversion unit are highlighted with simulation results. Control strategies in different operating regions are shown and results for the power conversion unit start-up transition and the loss of the grid connection during power operation are presented.


2019 ◽  
Vol 137 ◽  
pp. 01018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Luo ◽  
Ogechi Emelogu ◽  
Tatiana Morosuk ◽  
George Tsatsaronis

Allam cycle is a novel cycle that capitalizes on the unique thermodynamic properties of supercritical CO2 and the advantages of oxy-combustion for power generation. It is a high-pressure supercritical carbon dioxide cycle designed to combust fossil fuels such as natural gas or syngas (from coal gasification systems) with complete CO2 separation at a high-efficiency and zero atmospheric emissions. This semi-closed cycle produces sequestration-ready/pipeline quality CO2 by-product, and thus eliminates the need for additional CO2-capture system. The Coal-fueled Allam cycle is targeted to deliver between 51-52% net efficiency (lower heating value) for coal gasification. In this study, the expected energetic efficiency is verified by simulating the system in Ebsilon professional software and the result showed that the net efficiency of the simulated coal-fired plant is 30.7%, which is significantly lower than the targeted value. The lower efficiency maybe as a result of the missing heat integration in the system, the high power demand of the oxidant compressor and CO2 compressors. And an exergy analysis based on published cycle data is employed, to investigate the cycle performance, identify the sources of the cycle’s thermodynamic inefficiencies at the component level; a sensitivity analysis is also performed to study the effects of selected thermodynamic parameters on the overall performance of the coal-fired Allam cycle.


Author(s):  
Xenophon K. Kakatsios

As we enter the new century, new fuels may be required for both stationary power and transportation to ameliorate the triple threats of local air pollution, global climate change and dependence on unstable nations for imported oil. Shifting away from fossil fuels may be essential within decades if citizens in the developing world achieve even a significant fraction of the per capita energy consumption enjoyed by the industrial nations. Business-as-usual or evolutionary shifts in energy consumption patterns may not be adequate. New paradigms and new energy initiatives may be required to protect the environment while providing the energy services we have come to expect. Hydrogen could play a significant role as a clean energy carrier in the future for both stationary and transportation markets. Produced from renewable energy or nuclear power, hydrogen could become the backbone of a truly sustainable energy future – an energy system that consumes no non-renewable resources and creates no pollution or greenhouse gases of any type during operation. However, to achieve this potential, hydrogen must overcome serious economic, technological and safety perception barriers before it can displace fossil fuels as the primary energy carrier throughout the world. In this paper we explore the current status of hydrogen and fuel cell systems compared to other fuel options for reducing pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and suggest the introduction of hydrogen into the energy economy.


Author(s):  
Rainer Quinkertz ◽  
Thomas Thiemann ◽  
Kai Gierse

High efficiency and flexible operation continue to be the major requirements for power generation because of the benefits of reduced emissions and reduced fuel consumption, i.e. reduced operating costs. Ultra super critical (USC) steam parameters are the basis for state of the art technology of coal fired power plants with highest efficiency. An important part of the development process for advanced steam turbines is product validation. This step involves more than just providing evidence of customer guaranteed values (e.g. heat rate or electric output). It also involves proving that the design targets have been achieved and that the operational experience is fed back to designers to further develop the design criteria and enable the next step in the development of highly sophisticated products. What makes product validation for large size power plant steam turbines especially challenging is the fact that, due to the high costs of the required infrastructure, steam turbine manufacturers usually do not have a full scope / full scale testing facility. Therefore, good customer relations are the key to successful validation. This paper describes an extensive validation program for a modern state of the art ultra supercritical steam turbine performed at an operating 1000 MW steam power plant in China. Several measuring points in addition to the standard operating measurements were installed at one of the high pressure turbines to record the temperature distribution, e.g. to verify the functionality of the internal cooling system, which is an advanced design feature of the installed modern high pressure steam turbines. Predicted 3D temperature distributions are compared to the actual measurements in order to verify and evaluate the design rules and the design philosophy applied. Conclusions are drawn regarding the performance of modern 3D design tools applied in the current design process and an outlook is given on the future potential of modern USC turbines.


Author(s):  
A. D. Rao ◽  
G. S. Samuelsen ◽  
F. L. Robson ◽  
R. A. Geisbrecht

Under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Energy/National Energy Technology Laboratory, a multi-disciplinary team led by the Advanced Power and Energy Program of the University of California at Irvine is defining the system engineering issues associated with the integration of key components and subsystems into power plant systems that meet performance and emission goals of the Vision 21 program. The myriad of fuel processing, power generation, and emission control technologies are narrowed down to selected scenarios in order to identify those combinations that have the potential to achieve the Vision 21 program goals of high efficiency and minimized environmental impact while using fossil fuels. The technology levels considered are based on projected technical and manufacturing advances being made in industry and on advances identified in current and future government supported research. Examples of systems included in these advanced cycles are solid oxide and molten carbonate fuel cells, advanced gas turbines, ion transport membrane separation and hydrogen-oxygen combustion.


Author(s):  
Wolfgang Sanz ◽  
Martin Braun ◽  
Herbert Jericha ◽  
Max F. Platzer

A modern energy system based on renewable energy like wind and solar power inevitably needs a storage system to provide energy on demand. Hydrogen is a promising candidate for this task. For the re-conversion of the valuable fuel hydrogen to electricity a power plant of highest efficiency is needed. In this work the Graz Cycle, a zero emission power plant based on the oxy-fuel technology, is proposed for this role. The Graz Cycle originally burns fossil fuels with pure oxygen and offers efficiencies up to 65 % due to the recompression of about half of the working fluid. The Graz Cycle is now adapted for hydrogen combustion with pure oxygen so that a working fluid of nearly pure steam is available. The changes in the thermodynamic layout are presented and discussed. The results show that the cycle is able to reach a net cycle efficiency based on LHV of 68.5 % if the oxygen is supplied “freely” from hydrogen generation by electrolysis. An additional parameter study shows the potential of the cycle for further improvements. The high efficiency of the Graz Cycle is also achieved by a close interaction of the components which makes part load operation more difficult. So in the second part of the paper strategies for part load operation are presented and investigated. The thermodynamic analysis predicts part load down to 30 % of the base load at remarkably high efficiencies.


Author(s):  
Guenther Haupt ◽  
John S. Joyce ◽  
Konrad Kuenstle

The environmental impact of unfired combined-cycle blocks of the GUD® type is compared with that of equivalent reheat steam boiler/turbine units. The outstandingly high efficiency of GUD blocks not only conserves primary-energy resources, but also commensurately reduces undesirable emissions and unavoidable heat rejection to the surroundings. In addition to conventional gas or oil-fired GUD blocks, integrated coal-gasification combined-cycle (ICG-GUD) blocks are investigated from an ecological point of view so as to cover the whole range of available fossil fuels. For each fuel and corresponding type of GUD power plant the most appropriate conventional steam-generating unit of most modern design is selected for comparison purposes. In each case the relative environmental impact is stated in the form of quantified emissions, effluents and waste heat, as well as of useful byproducts and disposable solid wastes. GUD blocks possess the advantage that they allow primary measures to be taken to minimize the production of NOx and SOx, whereas both have to be removed from the flue gases of conventional steam stations by less effective and desirable, albeit more expensive secondary techniques, e.g. flue-gas desulfurization and DENOX systems. In particular, the comparison of CO2 release reveals a significantly lower contribution by GUD blocks to the greenhouse effect than by other fossil-fired power plants.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document