Authors:

Peter Joseph Bradshaw

Date Created:

Not specified

Course Title:

Professor:

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About Paper:

Despite high potential for efficiency, supercritical thermal cycles often fall short due to underutilized energy recovery methods, primarily because of the challenges in operating turbines with two-phase outlets. Testing of new turbine prototypes often requires intentional design of thermal systems to create high pressure drops and large flowrates. This two- semester research experience aimed at designing and constructing a test stand to host an experimental two-phase outlet Tesla turbine. The design of the thermal cycle was intended to improve upon a previous setup by increasing the pressure drop over the turbine as well as enabling the exposure of the turbine to two phase CO2 flow. Calculations in Engineering Equation Solver (EES) were used to model the thermodynamic requirements of the system in order to reach two phase flow at the turbine inlet. The evaporator, condenser, and all secondary components were then chosen to accommodate the pressures and temperatures of the thermodynamic cycle. In the second semester of this experience came the design of structural supports and the assembly of the system using high pressure fixtures and stainless-steel tubing. At the conclusion of my contribution to the project, construction was underway with most of the primary components connected. At this point the project changed hands and is now undergoing calibration and final assembly. Keywords: Carbon Dioxide; Thermal Cycle; Test Stand; Supercritical

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

Topics:

No topics listed

Co-authors:

Peter Joseph Bradshaw