<p>The layout design of the supercritical CO₂ (SCO₂) Brayton power cycles plays a vital role in the cycle performances. To determine the effect of the layout design on the cycle performances for the SCO₂ Brayton power cycles applicable to renewable energy-based sustainable engineering, this work examines the performances of different cycle classifications: simple (simple recuperated cycle), advanced (recompression, split expansion, and recompression-reheat cycle), and combined cycles (combined reheat cycle and combined recompression-reheat cycle). The response of performance to the key process parameters is systematically addressed. In particular, the optimal pressure ratio ranges and split ratio are found to be 2.6–4.5 for all cycles and 0.31–0.42 for the advanced cycles. Finally, statistical assessments are conducted in terms of efficiency-based technical performance and AHP-TOPSIS-based techno-economic performance, respectively. It is found that cycle efficiency is positively correlated with the complexity of the cycle layout. According to technical performance, the recompression-reheat cycle and combined organic Rankine-SCO₂ recompression-recuperated cycle are the preferred types, with an average efficiency of 41.64% and 46.42%. According to techno-economic performance, the recompression cycle (score of 0.674) and combined organic Rankine-SCO₂ recompression-recuperated cycle (score of 0.638) are superior to other cycles. The results may provide a positive reference for the development of future SCO₂ power systems.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>