CO2-Hub

In the framework of the HOCLOOP project, a modified CO2-based industrial refrigeration unit has been installed in the laboratories of the University of Florence. The system was specifically designed to deliver a CO2 stream with controllable flow rate, pressure, and temperature to support the experimental activities of the project.

Beyond the HOCLOOP scope, the unit can also be employed in other research projects or industrial collaborations, enabling the testing of a wide range of CO2 cycle components, for example transcritical heat exchangers, single- or multiphase expanders and ejectors.

The installed compressor can provide up to 0.3 kg/s of CO2, corresponding to approximately 20 kWt of cooling capacity, 15 kWe of compressor power consumption, and 35 kWt of gas cooler heat rejection.

The infrastructure is available for collaboration with external partners in both academic and industrial contexts.

At present, the system is coupled to a dedicated test section for the investigation of CO2 and CO2-based mixtures under transcritical conditions, as well as for the demonstration of the fluid’s natural circulation capability, which may be further explored in future projects.