Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
GUIYANG, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) — The world's first supercritical carbon dioxide power plant began commercial operation in southwest China's Guizhou Province on Saturday.
The project was developed by the China Institute of Atomic Energy, a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). This unique power unit is located at the Shougang Shuicheng Iron and Steel Works in Liupanshui, Guizhou Province.
The Chaotan One project, also known as the Chaotan One demonstration project, uses supercritical carbon dioxide and waste heat from agglomeration to generate electricity. Each unit has a capacity of 15 MW.
"Supercritical carbon dioxide power generation technologies are characterized by high efficiency, system compactness, fewer auxiliary systems, and faster response speed," said Huang Yanping, research director of CNNC and general designer of the Chaotan One project.
He added that the commissioning of this project is a milestone, marking the world's first transition of these technologies into commercial operation.
INNOVATIVE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
According to Huang Yanping, the principle of generating electricity using thermal, nuclear, or various forms of steam energy derived from waste heat essentially involves heating water to steam and driving turbines. In this sense, generating electricity using supercritical carbon dioxide is rightfully considered an innovative thermoelectric conversion technology.
As the scientist explained, carbon dioxide, as the working fluid in the power plant cycle, enters a supercritical state when the operating pressure is 73 times greater than atmospheric pressure at temperatures above 31 degrees Celsius. In this state, its density increases, while its viscosity remains relatively low, resulting in lower flow resistance.
The Chaotan One project achieved 85 percent higher power generation efficiency than steam-powered power generation technologies.
According to the data, the Chaotan One power unit is capable of generating more than 70 million kWh of electricity per year, which will bring in a profit of 30 million yuan / about 4.26 million US dollars.
HUGE POTENTIAL
In 2009, the China Institute of Atomic Energy began developing a technology for generating electricity using supercritical carbon dioxide. Construction of the Chaotan One project began in 2023.
The project is said to have the potential to make a significant contribution to the country's dual-carbon targets by efficiently converting industrial waste heat into energy.
Huang Yanping said the new technology will help overcome technical difficulties associated with the efficient use of medium- and small-scale energy sources, as well as medium- and high-temperature heat sources worldwide.
In 2024, CNNC launched a demonstration project that combined molten salt energy storage and supercritical carbon dioxide power generation technologies.
Supercritical carbon dioxide power generation technology will eventually be integrated with multiple heat sources to form power generation systems, expanding its application in photovoltaic energy, waste heat recovery, energy storage and other fields, Huang Yanping concluded. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.