Guidelines for the design and operation of supercritical carbon dioxide R&D systems

Abstract

This paper captures guidelines for the design and operation of sCO2 systems for research and development applications with specific emphasis on single-pressure pumped loops for thermal-hydraulic experiments and implications toward larger sCO2 Brayton power cycles. Direct experience with R&D systems at the kilowatt (kW), 50 kW, 200 kW, and 1 megawatt thermal scale has resulted in a recommended work flow to move a design from a thermodynamic flowsheet to a set of detailed build plans that account for industrial standards, engineering analysis, and operating experience. Analyses of operational considerations including CO2 storage, filling, pressurization, inventory management, and sensitivity to pump inlet conditions were conducted and validated during shakedown and operation of a 200 kilowatt-scale sCO2 system.