Thermodynamic Analysis and Optimization of Helium Ericsson Power Cycle: A Novel Model for Pseudo-isothermal Compression and Expansion

Abstract

Nuclear energy has been considered as clean and environmentally friendly method of power production. With the emergence of Generation IV reactor, a new horizon was opened in nuclear technology. The invention of new materials and production processes and magnetic bearings, the new ideas for increasing the efficiency of nuclear power plants are being considered more feasible. In this paper the thermodynamic analysis of a Helium pseudo-isothermal expansion and compression power cycle which can be utilized to couple with a Very High-temperature Gas Reactor (VHTR) was performed. A novel thermodynamic modelling of estimating the isothermal process based on the irreversibility during the compression or expansion was done. The results show that isothermal process is not so far from the reality and the power cycle can exceed other designs in terms of efficiency.