Termodynamic Analysis of the Allam Cycle using First and Second Law

• Grant number: 24/20446-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Thermal Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Rogério Gonçalves dos Santos
• Grantee: Antonio Olinto Tonisi
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica (FEM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/01112-1 - São Paulo Center for Biogas and Bioproducts Studies, AP.CCD

Abstract

Today there is great concern regarding the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels. In this sense, more and more efficient means of energy production are being sought, that is, those that use less fuel and produce more power, and that are capable of recovering and filtering the pollutants emitted. The Allam cycle, a thermodynamic cycle that uses carbon dioxide in supercritical conditions, appears in this context precisely to help resolve these issues. Being able to achieve efficiencies of up to 59% [1] and allowing the recapture of CO2 in very high purity, the Allam cycle is proposed as an innovative technology. The present work seeks to thermodynamically simulate this cycle using the EES software, validate the results by comparing with literature studies, and carry out an exergy analysis in order to identify the main inefficiencies.