Due to the challenging operational parameters, testing of new components for use in thermal cycles is an essential part of their development and qualification. Typical components that require real world tests are, for example, innovative heat exchangers, turbomachines or fittings. The SUSEN sCO2 experimental loop enables component testing at temperatures up to 550 °C, pressures of 25 MPa and flow rates of up to 0.3 kg/s. It will be possible to test significantly larger components on the SOFIA facility that is currently under construction.
Using the SUSEN sCO2 loop, various components have been tested as part of several projects, for example: microchannel heat exchangers in a recuperative connection, a steam condenser cooled with CO2, air coolers for sCO2 circuits and a turbine-driven compressor.
