Within supercritical CO2 power cycles, which risk increases when pump cavitation occurs?

💡 Explanation

Cavitation introduces vapor bubbles that disrupt the designed sCO2 flow and pressure, because the pump's performance degrades via a phase change; resulting in the process becoming less efficient using less heat gain. Therefore cycle efficiencies decrease, rather than direct component damage such as erosion or fouling under normal sCO2 operating conditions.

• Which outcome occurs when a refrigeration system uses R-410A refrigerant and experiences sustained superheat at the compressor inlet?
• Which outcome occurs when excessive pre-ignition erodes the piston crown within a gasoline engine?
• Which risk increases when fuel injectors in a direct injection engine exhibit excessive dribble following pulse termination?
• Within an aircraft hydraulic actuator driving a flight control surface, which risk increases when rapid cycling causes cavitation?
• Which outcome occurs when gallium arsenide LED junctions exceed forward current limits?
• Which failure most likely results from piston ring blow-by in a diesel engine, where insufficient cylinder pressure exists during combustion events?