ComTest is a $27M Department of Energy-funded project. Phase I, which began in November 2015, served to identify the technology gaps, as well as the scope and cost of required testing. Phase II, which was awarded in December 2018, includes an advanced manufacturing effort to complete U.S. based supply chain development for full commercial scale (800-850 MWe) AUSC components made of nickel-based alloys, components operating at up to 760�C. Completion of Phase II scheduled for September 30, 2021.Strategic Objectives of U.S. AUSC Project include:Power Plant Efficiency Improvements ?Develop cost-effective, reliable technologies to improve the efficiency of new and existing high-temperature advanced generation power plants.Close gaps to achieve readiness for commercial scale demonstration of Advanced Ultra-Supercritical (AUSC) technology.Fabricate full-scale versions of key nickel-based alloy components.Validate capabilities of US supply chain for cost certainty.Support cross-cutting high-temperature generation technologies.Obtain ASME Code approval for new materials, components and processes.Increase power plant steam temperatures for higher cycle efficiency (Note: Average efficiency of US coal-fired fleet = 33% HHV
A-USC plant efficiency over 47% HHV at 1,400�F (760�C) steam temperature).