Next-Generation Solar Thermal Energy Conversion Using Supercritical CO₂: A Current Progress and Future Prospects
نویسندگان
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, JSPM's Jayawantrao Sawant College of Engineering, Hadapsar, Pune-411028, India.
2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Samarth College of Engineeing and Management, Belhe-412410, India.
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrutvahini College of Engineering, Sangamner-422608, India.
4 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dayananda Sagar Academy of Technology and Management-560 082, India.
5 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr Vithalrao Vikhe Patil College of Engineering, Ahmednagar-414111, India.
6 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rasiklal M. Dhariwal Sinhgad School of Engineering, Warje, Pune,-411058, India.
7 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pravara Rural Engineering College, Loni-413736, India.
doi
10.30501/jree.2025.521849.2385چکیده
The escalating global energy demand and decarbonization imperatives have intensified interest in high-efficiency solar thermal technologies. Among advanced approaches, supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂)-based power cycles offer a transformative alternative to conventional steam-based systems for solar thermal energy conversion. This review critically examines next-generation solar thermal systems employing sCO₂ as the working fluid. Such systems have demonstrated thermal efficiencies exceeding 50% in Brayton cycle configurations and a 30% reduction in component footprint. The objectives of this study are to: (i) provide a systematic review of state-of-the-art sCO₂-based cycle configurations, including recompression, intercooling, partial cooling, and split-flow variants; (ii) evaluate recent advancements in solar collector integration, thermal energy storage, and high-temperature materials; and (iii) identify technological gaps and propose future research pathways. Demonstration projects, such as the STEP (Supercritical Transformational Electric Power) initiative, have reported turbine inlet temperatures above 700 °C and system-level efficiencies nearing 54%, demonstrating the real-world potential of sCO₂ cycles. Despite this progress, key challenges remain, including material degradation in high-temperature CO₂ environments, operational instability under transient solar input, and the complexity of integrating thermal energy storage. Proposed solutions include corrosion-resistant materials, AI-driven control systems, and compact microchannel heat exchangers. Economic studies indicate that sCO₂ systems can reduce the levelized cost of electricity to below $0.05/kWh, suggesting competitiveness with fossil-based power. The widespread adoption of sCO₂ technology could contribute significantly to clean energy transitions. A collaborative, interdisciplinary effort is essential to address the remaining barriers and achieve large-scale deployment.
