Session: 33-09 sCO2 Testing and Component Development

Paper Number: 83273

83273 - Update of the sCO2-Test Rig at Cranfield University 

Since 2018, there is an experimental facility operating at Cranfield University, aiming to explore supercritical carbon dioxide as a working fluid for future bottoming power cycle applications and more recently for thermal management applications. The initial objectives of this experimental program were to de-risk and demonstrate the robustness of a closed loop system, as well as to prove the function and performance of individual components and various measurement and control modules. This paper describes measurements upgrades performed to the rig and summarises the lessons learnt from different test campaigns.

The Cranfield University facility has been designed to capture the key elements of operability and controllability through the use of a transcritical circulation loop intended for use in refrigeration systems. This transcritical closed loop, which is a reliable source of carbon dioxide at supercritical state, has been upgraded in terms of the number of measurement stations, type of measurement and a new dedicated data acquisition system.

The paper will first describe those upgrades, focusing on the measurement of temperature and data acquisition. Discussion and findings about the time response and the accuracy of different types of sensors, passive and active, for direct or indirect measurements are presented, to propose a path for selecting sensors suitable for highly transient power cycles.

The second part of the paper will reflect some experiences gained performing different test campaigns in the rig and the influence of its service facilities. It will discuss elements of post-commissioning and operability. Finally, the way ahead and the planned test campaigns for the key components will be described.

Presenting Author: Pierre Belleoud Cranfield University

Presenting Author Biography: NA

Authors:

Eduardo Anselmi Cranfield University
Pierre Belleoud Cranfield University
Ioannis Roumeliotis Cranfield University
Vassilios Pachidis Cranfield University