Low temperature heat source for power generation: Exhaustive analysis of a carbon dioxide transcritical power cycle

The main results of a theoretical work on the use of a low temperature heat source for power generation through a carbon dioxide transcritical power cycle are reported in this paper. The procedure for analyzing the behaviour of the proposed cycle consisted in modifying the input pressure to the turbine from 66 bar, maintained constant each evaluated temperature (60 °C, 90 °C, 120 °C and 150 °C) until the net work was approximately zero. As a result, the maximum exergy efficiency was 50%, while the energy efficiencies obtained were 9.8%, 7.3%, 4.9% and 2.4% and the net specific work was 18.2 kJ/kg, 12.8 kJ/kg, 7.8 kJ/kg and 3.5 kJ/kg, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of the addition of an internal heat exchanger, which obviously supposed an increase in the efficiency, was analyzed. The analysis of the proposed system shows the viability of implementing this type of process as an energy alternative and/or strengthener of non-conventional energy sources in non-provided zones, or for increasing the energy efficiency in the industry.

► Energy and exergy analysis of a carbon dioxide transcritical power cycle is reported.
► The effect of the inlet temperature to the turbine is evaluated.
► Conditions of maximum efficiency and maximum net work are compared.
► The inclusion of an IHX is also analysed.