Thermoeconomic Analysis of Advanced Solar-Fossil Combined Power Plants

Authors : Malick KANE, Daniel FAVRAT, Klaus ZİEGLER, Yassine ALLANİ

Pages : 191-198

View : 8 | Download : 5

Publication Date : 2000-12-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Hybrid solar thermal power plants insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(with parabolic trough type of solar collectors); featuring gas burners and Rankine steam cycles have been successfully demonstrated by California`s Solar Electric Generating System insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SEGS);. This system has been proven to be one of the most efficient and economical schemes to convert solar energy into electricity. Recent technological progress opens interesting prospects for advanced cycle concepts: a); the ISCCS insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Integrated Solar Combined Cycle System); that integrates the parabolic trough into a fossil fired combined cycle, which allows a larger exergy potential of the fuel to be converted. b); the HSTS insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Hybrid Solar Tower System); which uses high concentration optics insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(via a power tower generator); and high temperature air receivers to drive the combined cycle power plant. In the latter case, solar energy is used at a higher exergy level as a heat source of the topping cycle. This paper presents the results of a thermoeconomic investigation of an ISCCS envisaged in Tunisia. The study is realized in two phases. In the first phase, a mixed approach, based on pinch technology principles coupled with a mathematical optimization algorithm, is used to minimize the heat transfer exergy losses in the steam generators, respecting the off design operating conditions of the steam turbine insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(cone law);. In the second phase, an economic analysis based on the Levelized Electricity Cost insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(LEC); approach was carried out for the configurations, which provided the best concepts during the first phase. A comparison of ISCCS with pure fossil fueled plants insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CC+GT); is reported for the same electrical power load. A sensitivity analysis based on the relative size of the solar field is presented.  This paper was presented at the ECOS`00 Conference in Enschede, July 5-7, 2000
Keywords : integrated solar combined cycle system, solar thermal power plant, multiple pressure level steam generator, exergy loss