Carbon Dioxide Condensation Cycles For Power Production

The thermodynamic performance of several condensation cycles employing carbon dioxide as working medium is analyzed and discussed. A balanced distribution of thermodynamic losses between mechanical components and heat exchangers attained through a compression performed partially in the liquid and partially in the gas phase yields cycle efficiencies which are among the highest achievable in present-day energy systems. At turbine inlet temperatures higher than 650 deg C single heating CO₂ cycles exhibit a better efficiency than reheat steam cycles. This may prove of particular interest in connection with high temperature nuclear heat sources. However, the requirement of low temperature cooling water for a good cycle arrangement represents a geographical limitation to the widespread application of CO₂ condensation cycles.