Recent advances in supercritical power cycles suggest opportunities in high-temperature heat recovery. The convergence of enhanced heat pipe and thermosyphon models have led to conceptual designs for a high-temperature recuperator for use in the Supercritical Transformational Electric Power (STEP) pilot project. Preliminary studies show that the concept boosts heat transfer efficiency and allows for thinner and less costly materials of construction. Presenter: Jim Black, NETL
Presentation
Transformative Heat Exchanger Concepts: Heat Pipes (by Dr. James Black)
Biography
Dr. Black is an Engineer in the Research and Innovation Center (RIC) at NETL working on Aerothermal and Heat Transfer research. In this position he conducts research on turbines thermal management and heat transfer for gas and supercritical CO2 turbine. Prior to moving to RIC, Dr. Black performed techno-economic analyses of advanced fossil energy conversion processes. He has more than 35 years of experience including positions as project manager of a DOE funded demonstration of a combined SOx/NOx removal technology, research engineer at Gulf Research studying oil production of heavy oils using steam stimulation, and test engineer during the startup of Beaver Valley Unit 1 nuclear power plant. Dr. Black earned B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and holds a Professional Engineering license in Pennsylvania.