Hybrid Brayton Multi-Stage Concentrated Solar Power Plant Energy and Exergy Performance Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faustino Moreno-Gamboa ◽  
César Nieto-Londoño
Keyword(s):  
Solar Power ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Cycle Performance ◽  
Performance Study ◽  
Concentrated Solar Power ◽  
Fuel Conversion ◽  
Double Compression ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Energy And Exergy ◽  
Exergy Performance

Abstract Hybrid Brayton concentrated solar power (CSP) plants have been gaining attention in the last decade upon many advantages regarding the use of traditional generation technologies combined with renewable energy sources. However, some technical and economic issues must be solved to allow its widespread use. Research and development efforts are deemed essential to the study of factors that constrain cycle performance looking to increase its efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, and decreasing emissions. This study presents the performance evaluation of a hybrid multi-stage CSP plant considering specific environmental conditions to attain the factor that constrains its optimal performance. Overall energy and exergy plant efficiencies are analyzed, considering an arbitrary number of stages. For instance, a double compression expansion hybrid CSP plant shows the overall energy efficiency of 32% larger, a 30% higher exergy efficiency, and a fuel conversion rate around 18% larger when compared with a single-stage CSP plant.

scholarly journals Comparison between Concentrated Solar Power and Gas-Based Generation in Terms of Economic and Flexibility-Related Aspects in Chile

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 1063
Author(s):  
Catalina Hernández Moris ◽  
Maria Teresa Cerda Guevara ◽  
Alois Salmon ◽  
Alvaro Lorca
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Hybrid Plant ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Concentrated Solar Power ◽  
Economic Point ◽  
Hybrid Plants ◽  
Cost Of Energy

The energy sector in Chile demands a significant increase in renewable energy sources in the near future, and concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies are becoming increasingly competitive as compared to natural gas plants. Motivated by this, this paper presents a comparison between solar technologies such as hybrid plants and natural gas-based thermal technologies, as both technologies share several characteristics that are comparable and beneficial for the power grid. This comparison is made from an economic point of view using the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) metric and in terms of the systemic benefits related to flexibility, which is very much required due to the current decarbonization scenario of Chile’s energy matrix. The results show that the LCOE of the four hybrid plant models studied is lower than the LCOE of the gas plant. A solar hybrid plant configuration composed of a photovoltaic and solar tower plant (STP) with 13 h of storage and without generation restrictions has an LCOE 53 USD/MWh, while the natural gas technology evaluated with an 85% plant factor and a variable fuel cost of 2.0 USD/MMBtu has an LCOE of 86 USD/MWh. Thus, solar hybrid plants under a particular set of conditions are shown to be more cost-effective than their closest competitor for the Chilean grid while still providing significant dispatchability and flexibility.

scholarly journals Modeling of natural convection of a concentrated solar power receiver absorber tube in interaction with neighbouring absorbers

2021 ◽  
pp. 53-61
Author(s):  
Olanrewaju Miracle Oyewola ◽  
Niyi Ezekiel Olukayode ◽  
Olusegun Olufemi Ajide
Keyword(s):  
Nusselt Number ◽  
Natural Convection ◽  
Average Nusselt Number ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Element Formulation ◽  
Concentrated Solar Power ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Energy Equations

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology stands out among other renewable energy sources not only because of its ability to address current energy security and environmental challenges but because its energy can be stored for future use. To ensure optimum performance in this system, the heat losses need to be evaluated for better design. This work studies the natural convection in the receiver absorber tube of a CSP plant taking into consideration the influence of neighboring absorbers. A 2-Dimensional model was adopted in this study. Initially, a single absorber tube was considered, it was subjected to heat flux at the top wall, the bottom wall was insulated and a temperature differential was set up at the lateral walls. The dimensionless forms of Navier-Stokes and energy equations were solved using the finite element formulation of COMSOL Multiphysics software. The result obtained for a single absorber tube showed good agreement with existing research works. This validated model was then extended to multiple absorber tubes (two to six absorber tubes). On the basis of the study, there is an observed increase in the intensity and dominance of convective heat transfer with an increase in the number of absorber tubes. This is occasioned by an increase in the average surface temperature as well as average Nusselt number. For the Rayleigh number of 104, 105 and 106, the average Nusselt number increases with the number of absorber tubes by 13.87 %, 6.26 %, and 1.55 %, respectively. This increment suggests effect of thermal interactions among the neighboring absorber tubes

scholarly journals An Analysis of the Effect of Molten Salt Thermal Storage on Parabolic Trough Concentrated Solar Power Plant Efficiency

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 3-13
Author(s):  
Christopher Hickin ◽  
Henry Li ◽  
Sharnan Kemp
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Theoretical Analysis ◽  
Molten Salt ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Operating Time ◽  
Concentrated Solar Power ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Temperature Range

In the development of renewable energy sources, there has been a trend toward increasing and stabilising the power output of Concentrated Solar Power Plants (CSPPs) during times of reduced solar resource through the use of Thermal Energy Storage Devices (TESDs). This study investigates whether the use of a molten salt TESD decreases the efficiency of a parabolic trough CSPP due to additional system energy losses despite prolonging the operational time of the CSPP. A theoretical analysis of a simplified CSPP was made to determine if a TESD would impact the efficiency of the CSPP. This was followed up by a survey of currently active parabolic trough CSPPs both with and without molten salt TESDs. The theoretical analysis illustrated that a TESD would have no effect on the efficiency of a CSPP. However, the survey revealed that the use of a TESD improved the efficiency of a CSPP. The results of the study don't support the theoretical analysis or the hypothesis suggesting that a property has been overlooked. This property is most likely to be that generators tend to operate best within a certain temperature range, and in a CSPP the optimum temperature range cannot be maintained. This results in a generator being selected capable of operating for the longest period with the lowest amount of excess solar energy. When a TESD is implemented, the excess solar energy is stored for later use, prolonging the generator's running time and increasing the useable energy. The realisation of the ability of a TESD to increase the efficiency of a CSPP as well as extending its operating time shows a promising area of development in CSPP technology and increasing its application in electricity generation.

scholarly journals A Comparison of Dispatchable RES Technoeconomics: Is There a Niche for Concentrated Solar Power?

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 4768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra G. Papadopoulou ◽  
George Vasileiou ◽  
Alexandros Flamos
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
High Capacity ◽  
Offshore Wind ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Concentrated Solar Power ◽  
Levelized Cost Of Electricity ◽  
The Impact

Raising the penetration of renewable energy sources constitutes one of the main pillars of contemporary decarbonization strategies. Within this context, further progress is required towards the optimal exploitation of their potential, especially in terms of dispatchability, where the role of storage is considered vital. Although current literature delves into either storage per se or the integration of storage solutions in single renewable technologies, the comparative advantages of each technology remain underexplored. However, high-penetration solutions of renewable energy sources (RES) are expected to combine different technological options. Therefore, the conditions under which each technology outperforms their counterparts need to be thoroughly investigated, especially in cases where storage components are included. This paper aims to deal with this gap, by means of assessing the combination of three competing technologies, namely concentrated solar power (CSP), photovoltaics (PV) and offshore wind, with the storage component. The techno-economic assessment is based on two metrics; the levelized cost of electricity and the net present value. Considering the competition between the technologies and the impact storage may have, the paper’s scope lies in investigating the circumstances, under which CSP could have an advantage against comparable technologies. Overall, PVs combined with storage prevail, as the most feasible technological option in the examined storage scenarios—with an LCOE lower than 0.11 €/kWh. CSP LCOE ranged between 0.1327–0.1513 €/kWh for high capacity factors and investment costs, thus larger storage components. Offshore wind—with a lower storage component—had an LCOE of 0.1402 €/kWh. Thus, CSP presents the potential to outperform offshore wind in cases where the latter technology is coupled with high storage requirements. CSP can be viewed as one of the options that could support European Union (EU) decarbonization scenarios. As such, an appropriate market design that takes into consideration and values CSP characteristics, namely dispatchability, is needed at the EU level.

scholarly journals Energetic & exergetic analysis of a parabolic trough: concentrated solar power plant

2021 ◽  
pp. 19-30
Author(s):  
Mohit Nagpal ◽  
Rajesh Maithani ◽  
Suresh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Operating Parameters ◽  
Solar Power Plant ◽  
Concentrated Solar Power ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Energy And Exergy ◽  
Exergetic Analysis ◽  
Lower Temperature

Solar energy is the most affordable source of energy. Parabolic trough systems are used to concentrate and extract heat, therefore it’s very significant to analyse its performance in terms of energy and exergy. Exergy based analysis of the system ensures the eradication of losses, resulting in the yield of energy of the highest quality. In this paper, an investigation has been carried out using numerical simulation with an objective of analysis of Parabolic Trough Collectors on the basis of energy and exergy. Detailed second law analysis has been performed by varying the system and operating parameters through computer simulation. Exergy output has been determined by analysing the effect of major system parameters, namely, mirror reflectivity, glass transmissivity, absorptivity, the diameter of glass envelop, and the receiver. The operating parameters considered in the investigation are insolation and temperature rise parameters. The extensive investigation of the parabolic trough of a concentrated solar power plant for various design parameters in the range of operating parameters reveals that it is beneficial to operate the system at higher temperature as opposed to the preference of the operating system at lower temperature from purely thermal considerations.

Use of Silica Coated Zinc Nanoparticles for Enhancement in Thermal Properties of Carbonate Eutectic Salt for Concentrated Solar Power Plants

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Muhammad Mujtaba Rizvi ◽  
Yousof Nayfeh ◽  
Baha El Far ◽  
Donghyun Shin
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Thermal Properties ◽  
Molten Salts ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Heat Storage ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Thermal Storage ◽  
Transfer System ◽  
Concentrated Solar Power ◽  
Zinc Nanoparticles

Abstract Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) is one of the most efficient mega-scale renewable Energy sources. However, the overall cost of energy production is not viable for commercial usage and supplanting with fossil fuels or energy produced by nuclear ways. Its operational cost mainly lies in the electrical and thermal systems of the plant. The thermal system comprises of heat storage and heat transfer system. Any enhancement to heat storage or transfer system will directly reduce the cost of operation and increase the yield. Conventionally, oils stable up to 400C were used to transfer and store heat, however more recently, molten salts have been operational in the field for purpose of heat transfer but still, their thermal storage and conduction are limited. The current work explores the possibility of boosting the thermal storage capacity of molten salts through the latent heat of added phase change materials and increasing the specific heat at the same time by adding silica encapsulated zinc nanoparticles. We studied the advantage of adding coated Zn nano-sized particles to carbonate eutectic mixture for enhanced thermal energy storage and heat capacity enhancement. Zinc particles (40nm–60nm) obtained from the commercial sources were coated with silica shells using the solgel process under alkaline conditions. The nano-capsules were then dispersed in a mixture of carbonate salts. A differential scanning calorimeter was employed to characterize the thermal properties of the mixture. Tranmission electron miocroscopy was employed to characterize nanoparticles and electron diffraction Spectroscopy was performed to characterize materials and strcutures involved.

Net Energy Analysis for Concentrated Solar Power Plants in Chile

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Escobar ◽  
Teresita Larrai´n
Keyword(s):  
Energy Source ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Energy Analysis ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Continuous Operation ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Concentrated Solar Power

The Chilean Energy Policy calls for 15 percent of new power generation capacity to come from renewable energy sources from 2006 to 2010, and then a 5% of electric energy generated from renewable energy sources with gradual increases in order to reach 10% by 2024. Concentrated solar power is an interesting alternative to help achieving those objectives, as it is estimated that northern Chile has high radiation levels, coupled with high values of the local clearness index and availability of flat terrain. The present report investigates the net energy attributes of parabolic trough plants installed in the Atacama Desert. Monthly means of solar radiation are used in order to estimate the solar fraction for a 100 MW plant at three different locations. Our analysis considers three cases: operation during sunlight hours only, with and without fossil fuel back-up, and continuous operation during 24 hours a day. The net energy analysis for concentrated solar power (CSP) plants is then performed, considering the energy costs of manufacturing, transport, installation, operation and decommissioning. The results indicate that the CSP plants are a net energy source when operating in sunlight-only mode and that the energy payback time is a linear function of the total operation time when utilizing fossil fuel back-up. In the continuous operation mode, the CSP plants become fossil fuel plants with solar assistance, and therefore all locations display negative net energy. Based on this result, the back-up fraction required for the plants to be net energy sources is estimated from the EROEI as function of the back-up fraction. It is estimated that the net energy analysis is a useful tool for determining under which conditions a CSP plant becomes a net energy source, and thus can be utilized in order to define geographical locations and operation conditions where they can be considered renewable energy sources.

Renewable fuels from concentrated solar power: towards practical artificial photosynthesis

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 2791-2796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon A. Bonke ◽  
Mathias Wiechen ◽  
Douglas R. MacFarlane ◽  
Leone Spiccia
Keyword(s):  
Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Artificial Photosynthesis ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Renewable Fuels ◽  
Concentrated Solar Power ◽  
Fuel Conversion ◽  
Earth Abundant

A solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency of 22% was achieved by using concentrated solar power to run a matched electrolyser based on Earth-abundant materials.

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