Innovation in Supercritical CO2 Power generation systems

Project Information

ISOP

Grant agreement ID: 101073266

DOI

10.3030/101073266

EC signature date 2 December 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 31 December 2027

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 3 818 187,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSIDAD DE SEVILLA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ISOP (Innovation in Supercritical CO2 Power generation systems)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The ISOP project aims to advance research on Supercritical CO2 (sCO2) power systems and train 17 doctoral researchers to contribute to the 2050 zero-emission targets. The objectives include:

1. Developing advanced models and tools for optimal sCO2 power system integration.
2. Creating prediction tools for transient operation simulation and optimizing control strategies.
3. Enhancing aerodynamic, mechanical performance, and reliability of key components.
4. Advancing material selection, coatings, and manufacturing techniques.
5. Training doctoral candidates through structured research and training programs.
6. Disseminating research outcomes and maximizing impact.

ISOP proposes four research work packages (WPs) and seeks EU funding for 17 doctoral candidates (540 person-months). The project aligns with the Horizon Europe objectives for Climate, Energy, and Mobility and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

WP1 – Advanced Models & Design Tools have been developed in various simulation platforms, and then applied to the research topic investigated by the Doctoral Candidates:
-Complex models of different to assess innovative integration concepts of supercritical CO2 power cycles have been developed.
-These models have different level of fidelity and are implemented in comercial platforms (EcosimPro, AxSTREAM, Thermoflex, Ansys, KRAWAL) or in general programming languages (mostly Python).
-In addition to the aforecited technical models to assess technical aspects of the technology, a higher level simulation platform to analyze the commercial operation and economic and financial features of the technology has been developed. This will help develop comercialization strategies of sCO2 systems.
-In addition to exploring new integration concepts, innovative ideas to enable energy storage and operational flexibility are being explored.
-Key outcomes: Deliverable D2.2 (state-of-the-art review) and Milestone ML5 (cycle and performance models).

WP2 – Transient Operation & Control concepts. Models specific to transient operation and enabling the analysis of new control schemes are under development with the aim to evaluate the fast response capabilities and dynamic features of sCO2 systems.
-Dynamic models of sCO2 power systems with different configurations have been developed in either commercial (EcosimPro) or general programming languages (Python).
-DC05 and DC06 are developing the most efficient operating strategies of directly and indirectly heated sCO2 power systems, in close collaboration with DC07 and DC08.
-DC07, in collaboration with EAI, has developed a detailed sCO2 compressor performance model and dynamic heat exchanger models.
-DC08 has developed lumped volume dynamic models for turbomachinery and heat exchangers.
-Off-design performance models of components for enhanced operational flexibility are currently under development, with preliminary results.

WP3 – Aerodynamics & Performance:
-Meanline axial turbine models have been tailored to sCO2 machines and used for off-design performance assessment of large sCO2 turbines.
-Traditional loss correlations used in axial machines are being assessed to verify validity for sCO2.
-Existing methodologies to assess the effect of windage in axial turbines running at low loads have been reviewed.
-Progress on heat exchanger research is delayed due to late recruitment of DCs in WP4.
-Draft turbomachinery designs prepared for the next research phase using CFD tools.
-A profound literature research evaluating methodologies for the aerothermal and mechanical design of turbomachinery and heat exchangers has been completed.

WP4 – Materials & Manufacturing Techniques:
-The fundamentals of material selection in sCO2 power systems have been reviewed, factoring in the very specific pressures, temperatures and potential corrosion.
-New concepts to design heat exchanger incorporating innovative features enabled by additive manufacturing have been developed.
-The experimental apparatus needed to carry out material testing and mechanical integrity assessment is currently under development (selection, procurement and installation).
-The test rig used to characterize heat transfer s currently being adapted.

More information is available on the project's website (https://isopco2.eu) and the LinkedIn account (https://www.linkedin.com/company/isopproject/)

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

ISOP Project Results by WP:
- WP1: Develops AI algorithms to optimize sCO2 power system integration, including carbon capture, based on thermal, economic, environmental, and societal KPIs. These algorithms, calibrated against physics-based models, enable complex optimizations beyond existing methods.
- WP2: Creates tools for transient sCO2 cycle simulation and advanced control strategies using AI. Addresses uncharted transient effects on system safety, reliability, and efficiency.
- WP3: Enhances aerodynamic, mechanical performance, and reliability of turbomachinery and heat exchangers. Expands operational limits and advances heat transfer understanding.
- WP4: Develops materials, coatings, and manufacturing techniques for safer sCO2 operation. Explores self-healing coatings and additive manufacturing for heat exchangers.

Expected Impact:
1. Scientific & Technological: sCO2 cycles can transform thermal power generation, lowering emissions and costs. ISOP addresses critical technological barriers, improving transient and off-design performance, turbomachinery, heat exchangers, and materials science.
2. Economic: Drastically cuts CAPEX & OPEX of thermal plants, reducing electricity prices and fostering European leadership in sCO2 technology, boosting energy transition and job creation.
3. Societal & Environmental: Enables carbon-free thermal power (CSP, nuclear, waste heat recovery), stabilizes renewable grids, and mitigates climate change. Lower energy costs reduce energy poverty and industrial expenses, benefiting consumers globally.

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