Optimization and techno-economic comparison of regenerators and recuperators in sCO<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline" id="d1e1791" altimg="si33.svg"><mml:msub><mml:mrow /><mml:mrow><mml:mn>2</mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:msub></mml:math> recompression Brayton cycles for concentrating solar power applications

Supercritical CO2 power cycles might be capable of providing the cost reductions and efficiency improvements necessary to reach concentrating solar (CSP) targets, but require large, highly effective recuperators. Fixed-bed regenerators are a periodic heat exchanger that could an yet low-cost alternative these This study presents techno-economic comparison recuperators for 100 MWe supercritical cycle CSP applications. We quantify levelized energy (LCOE) plant with both types exchangers, explore sensitivity LCOE parameters such as CSP-specific capital costs, component regenerator valve replacements costs. Results indicate incumbent printed circuit exchangers achieve lowest LCOE, unless upper extreme PCHE lower extremes O&M costs realized. Sensitivity analysis also illustrates primary is most influential components, more than importance reducing heliostats, receivers, thermal storage achieving targets.