Selection Criteria for the Implementation of a Power Generation Cycle Using Carbon Dioxide as Working Fluid and Solar Thermal Energy

Abstract

The increase in energy demand and the high levels of pollution are high impact factors nowadays. Therefore, there is an interest in using energy like sources of waste heat and renewable energy. This paper describes a method for selecting solar-powered power cycles that use carbon dioxide as a working fluid. The method considers factors such as ambient conditions, reliability, capital investment, and maintenance costs. An analytic hierarchy process is used to determine the weighting factors for each criterion and the option weights for each cycle. The results show that the most important aspects of solar energy power generation are the ambient conditions and reliability. The significance of this research is that it provides some fundamental criteria for selecting and implementing power generating cycles that use CO2 as a working fluid and solar thermal energy.