Review of system design and operation control technology of supercritical CO2 power cycle

Abstract

The supercritical CO2 power cycle has lately received significant attentions due to its high theoretical efficiency, robust peak-regulation capacity, compact components, and versatility across various heat sources. The early development of the supercritical CO2 power cycle and a comprehensive analysis of the current research status on system-level design and operational control was overviewed in this paper. The section on system design compares various cycle layouts and shaft arrangement schemes while explaining the reasons for unique design approaches. Moreover, the methods and processes of system design parameter optimization are expounded upon. It has been discovered that optimizing parameters focused solely on the design point alone underutilizes the potential of the system to operate under multiple conditions. Therefore, system optimization under off-design points should be considered. The section on operation control introduces the method of establishing the necessary dynamic model and delineates the control strategies employed in load-following, heating and cooling power variation, and system start-up and shutdown processes. Although current research on operation control ensures stable and efficient operation of the system under various conditions, the control strategy to achieve optimal operating state has not been explored. Accordingly, this review proposes that there exists an interdependence between system design and operation control such that the system optimization method under the off-design point can be combined with operation control strategies to expand the application potential of supercritical CO2 power generation systems in future complex scenarios.