Thermodynamic analysis of a supercritical closed Brayton cycle integrated with parabolic trough solar collectors

In this study, thermodynamic analysis of a supercritical closed Brayton cycle integrated with parabolic trough solar collectors operating with various organic-based working fluid types is conducted. To examine the performance of this integrated system, a mathematical model, including the energy and exergy analyses of the system, is first developed; after that, a parametric study is performed to determine the effect of compressor pressure ratio, solar irradiation, and type of working fluid on the system performance. In addition, a case study, in which the integrated system is analyzed with the meteorological data of Alasehir, Manisa, Turkey, is conducted in order to assess its monthly performance. The results indicate that when the working fluid is taken as R744 (CO₂), the performance of the system gets better compared to that based on other types of working fluids. On the other hand, the case study illustrates that the highest and lowest annual electricity generations are calculated as 7.89 GWh and 2.18 GWh for R245fa and R23, respectively. In addition, the highest and lowest yearly water consumptions in the cooling tower are found as 6680 tonnes and 5870 tonnes for R23 and R245fa, respectively.