Work

Effects of Partial Admission Ratio on the Performance and Flow Characteristics of a Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Axial-Flow Turbine

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayton cycle has become one of the most promising power generation systems in recent years. Owing to the high density of S-CO2, the turbine operates with a lower flow coefficient and a reduced blade height compared to conventional gas turbines, leading to relatively higher tip leakage and secondary flow losses. A properly designed partial admission scheme can increase blade height and improve turbine efficiency. In this study, the effects of partial admission ratio on the performance and flow characteristics of a partial admission S-CO2 turbine were investigated using numerical methods. The results indicate that the decline in turbine efficiency accelerates when the partial admission rate falls below 0.3. Furthermore, the maximum blade torque begins to decrease once the partial admission ratio drops below 0.1. Stronger tip passage vortices and a large-scale leakage vortex were identified in the passage located at the sector interface. Blade loading analysis revealed a reduction in pressure on the pressure surface of blades just entering the active sector, and a significant increase in suction surface pressure for blades about to exit the active sector. These pressure variations result in reduced blade torque near the boundaries of the active sector.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en18164259

Authors: Zhuo Hu, Hongsheng Jiang, Weilin Zhuge, Yuping Qian, Yangjun Zhang

Institution: Tsinghua University

Language: English

Topic: Turbomachinery Performance and Optimization

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137