Work

Development and Verification of a Transient Analysis Tool for Solar Power Tower System with sCO2 Brayton Cycle

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) Brayton cycle is a promising technology for concentrating solar power systems. However, existing studies predominantly rely on steady-state or quasi-steady-state assumptions, thereby neglecting transient characteristics of fluid flow and heat transfer. This study develops a transient analysis program for solar power tower systems integrated with sCO2 Brayton cycles using the finite difference method. The program comprises two interactive modules—a molten salt loop and a Brayton cycle module—coupled through an intermediate heat exchanger. For the Brayton cycle module, a fluid network model enabling a unified framework for the simultaneous solution of all governing equations is adopted. The SIMPLE algorithm and Gauss–Seidel iteration method are employed to solve the conservation equations. Following validation of key components and system performance, dynamic simulations under load and solar irradiance step disturbances are conducted. The results demonstrate that the program accurately captures transient behaviors and supports control strategy design and safety analysis for solar power tower systems with arbitrary sCO2 Brayton cycle layouts.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en18215749

Authors: Chenxu Xu, Jichen Zou, Gang Wang, Chuntian Gao

Institution: Northeast Electric Power University

Language: English

Topic: Thermodynamic and Exergetic Analyses of Power and Cooling Systems

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137