7 Solar Powered Thermodynamic Cycle Using Supercritical Fluids Available to Purchase

In this presentation, a solar energy powered thermodynamic cycle using supercritical CO₂ for combined production of electricity and thermal energy is introduced. The technology utilizes evacuated solar collectors to convert CO₂ into medium-temperature supercritical state, used to drive a turbine and thereby produce mechanical energy and hence electricity. The system also recovers thermal energy, which could be used for refrigeration, air conditioning, hot water supply, etc. in domestic or commercial buildings. Experimental prototype and tests have been constructed and carried out. It was found that CO₂ is efficiently converted into high-temperature supercritical state. Electricity and hot water can be generated from the present system. The experimental results show that the solar energy powered Rankine cycle using CO₂ works stably in a trans-critical region. In addition, detailed experimental results and science topics related to the technology will be presented.