Optimization of Recompression Supercritical Brayton Cycle for High Temperature Concentrated Solar Power Application

This paper investigates the performance improvement potentials of the intercooling between compressor stages in the context of concentrated solar power application. Parametric optimization is performed on the modified layout with genetic algorithm. The performance of the modified layout is compared to the classical recompression Brayton cycle under nominal conditions. The performance improvement mechanism of the compressor stage intercooling is revealed using energy utilization diagram. The result shows that: The introduction of intercooling between main compressor stages is beneficial for the cycle performance improvement, while the intercooling between recompressor stages can not enhance the cycle performance. The performance improvement mechanism of the main compressor intercooling lies in the reduction of the exergy loss in the cycle cold end and the reduction of the exergy destruction during the recuperating process in the high temperature recuperator. Under nominal conditions, the specific work of the modified cycle can be improved by 22.87%, the thermal and exergy efficiency can be improved by 2.767% and 3.389%, respectively.