On December 20th, the world's first commercial supercritical carbon dioxide power generation unit was successfully put into commercial operation in Liupanshui, Guizhou. The "Super Carbon One" demonstration project, which was put into operation this time, is a 15-megawatt supercritical carbon dioxide sintering waste heat power generation project jointly promoted by China Nuclear Power Research and Design Institute of China National Nuclear Corporation, Jinan Iron and Steel Group International Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., and Shougang Shuicheng Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. It is also the global demonstration project of the "Super Carbon One" supercritical carbon dioxide waste heat power generation technology, serving as an example of progress in power generation technology.

        "Super Carbon One" utilizes supercritical carbon dioxide as the circulating working fluid, replacing traditional steam. When heated to the supercritical state (temperature exceeding 31 degrees Celsius and pressure exceeding 73 atmospheres), carbon dioxide has a density close to that of a liquid and a viscosity close to that of a gas, enabling it to store and transfer energy efficiently. Through a closed Brayton cycle involving compression, heating, expansion, and cooling, it directly drives turbines to generate electricity, avoiding the phase change process. Compared to existing steam power generation technology, it achieves comprehensive improvements.

        The demonstration project involves a 2×15 MW supercritical carbon dioxide sintering waste heat power generation unit, which has been successfully connected to the local steel enterprise's power grid, converting industrial waste heat into clean electric energy. This demonstration project helps break through the technical bottleneck of efficient utilization of medium and high-temperature heat sources in small and medium-sized power scales worldwide, accelerating the formation of new productive forces.

        This commercial operation also signifies the first time that supercritical carbon dioxide power generation technology has been transitioned from the laboratory to commercial deployment globally, marking its progression towards a technology innovation system that integrates government, industry, academia, research, and application, and carrying monumental significance. Compared to the existing sintering waste heat steam power generation technology, "Super Carbon One" enhances power generation efficiency by over 85%, increases net power output by more than 50%, simplifies the system, reduces equipment, facilitates operation and maintenance, and cuts down site requirements by 50%.

Note: The content and data in this article are primarily sourced from public information of relevant enterprises and websites, and are for browsing purposes only.