Energy analysis of a subsea steam Rankine cycle for the subsea power supply

In this paper, a steam Rankine cycle is proposed for the subsea power supply. The turbine, as the key component, is connected to a power shaft to produce the power output. The pressure at the inner and outside of the turbine shaft seal can be balanced. A mathematical model is established, energy and parametric analysis are applied. The results show that this power cycle can acquire a thermal efficiency of 35% at 5000 meters depth. Besides, the electrical heating temperature and the condensing pressure are the key parameters that dominant the performance of this cycle.