The DESOLINATION project, a beacon of innovation in renewable energy, has taken a major step forward with the preliminary performance analysis of its demonstration plant.
Recently unveiled at the ASME Turbo Expo 2024, this work brings together the expertise of TEMISth, UNIBS (University of Brescia), and Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI) to explore the potential of a novel power cycle built for sustainability and efficiency.
What makes this Demo Plant unique?
This demo plant operates a simple recuperative transcritical power cycle, a system that sets new standards in energy conversion. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Innovative Working Fluid: Instead of conventional fluids, the plant uses a mixture of CO₂ and SO₂, selected for its unique thermodynamic properties.
- Adapted to Harsh Conditions: Designed to thrive in environments with high solar radiation and elevated ambient temperatures, this air-cooled system mirrors real-world challenges faced by Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants.
Key features of the cycle
- Powerful yet Compact: At the heart of the system is an axial turbine handling a flow rate of 0.2 m³/s, enabling a power output of 1.8 MWel.
- Next-Gen Heat Exchangers: Equipped with gyroid-structured recuperators and heat exchangers, these components maximize thermal transfer while minimizing material use.
- Modeling Precision: Advanced simulations in MATLAB, enhanced by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) results, ensure the system is optimized for both design and off-design conditions.
How efficient is it?
Efficiency is key for renewable energy systems, and the DESOLINATION demo plant doesn’t disappoint. By operating in a sliding pressure mode, the cycle achieves impressive efficiencies of over 30%, even when running at partial load.
Adapting to changing temperatures
One of the standout features of this system is its ability to handle varying ambient conditions:
- At high ambient temperatures (above 30°C), the cycle functions seamlessly, thanks to fixed-speed condenser fans.
- At lower temperatures (around 10°C), the air velocity can be adjusted to ensure optimal operation.
Handling the system’s inventory
The study also delves into the plant’s piping system, revealing that the total fluid inventory is heavily influenced by the condenser’s operation. Adjustments in fluid storage of up to 300 kg are required to maintain stability when switching between different temperature conditions.
