The 200MW heat generated by the reactor is not used directly to drive the ship, according to Hu. Instead, it powers a supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) generator using the Brayton cycle – a highly efficient thermodynamic process that converts heat into electricity far more effectively than traditional steam turbines.

The Brayton cycle uses compressed gas – in this case, carbon dioxide – heated to extreme temperatures, then expanded through turbines to generate power. Supercritical CO2 behaves like both a liquid and a gas, allowing for compact, high-efficiency systems.

This technology is so cool!!!