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PV-CSP hybrid system configuration and performance based on simulation and mathematical methods

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  • Dai, Xiaoyu
  • Fang, Yujuan
  • Gedik, Eylül
  • Li, Zheng
  • Wirsum, Manfred

Abstract

The PV-CSP hybrid plants integrate the cost-effectiveness of photovoltaics (PV) and reliability of concentrated solar power (CSP), enhancing energy utilization through coordinated operation. Given System Advisor Model (SAM)'s limitations in directly modelling PV-CSP systems and the oversimplifications in current mathematical approaches, there is a critical need for a more accurate tool to analyze the performance. This study develops a PV-CSP hybrid system model by combining the SAM simulation with mathematical methods, forming a front-end SAM simulation for PV generation and CSP heat collection, and a back-end model for PV energy storage and CSP power generation. Using the developed model, this study systematically explores the performance characteristics of the PV-CSP hybrid system for Qinghai Province, Northwest China under three different configuration schemes: balanced, PV-dominant, and high-PV-share. The analysis considers varying installed capacities and storage durations. The results indicate that under the given scenario, the photovoltaic–battery energy storage system (PV-BESS) does not present a competitive advantage, whereas PV-CSP hybrid systems exhibit notable improvements in both economic performance and reliability, particularly under long-duration storage conditions. Moreover, increasing the thermal storage duration beyond 12 h contributes to further enhancements in the cost-effectiveness and reliability of the hybrid systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Dai, Xiaoyu & Fang, Yujuan & Gedik, Eylül & Li, Zheng & Wirsum, Manfred, 2026. "PV-CSP hybrid system configuration and performance based on simulation and mathematical methods," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:258:y:2026:i:c:s0960148125026849
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.125020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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