IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/renene/v55y2013icp366-373.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Simulation of GEMASOLAR-based solar tower plants for the Chinese energy market: Influence of plant downsizing and location change

Author

Listed:
  • Amadei, C.A.
  • Allesina, G.
  • Tartarini, P.
  • Yuting, Wu

Abstract

In many countries that are experiencing a steep increase of energy demand, there is a growing challenge of responding to this demand by investing in renewable technologies for new power plants. Solar energy seems to be one of the best solutions to reduce the fossil fuels consumption for energy production purposes. In terms of high-power solar plants, concentrating towers are characterized by high efficiencies, but the investment costs are high as well. For this reason, a fundamental issue consists in simulating the solar tower behavior in different locations, in order to provide a precise estimation of both annual energy production and return of the investment. Among these types of solar plants, GEMASOLAR has been recently (2011) put in operation in Andalusia, Spain, and the data that have been obtained by this plant allow one to study its potential for application in different locations. The present work is aimed at simulating the GEMASOLAR plant behavior in some Chinese areas suitable for such a technology. All the simulations proposed here have been obtained through a Solar Advisor Model (SAM). Some of the simulations of the original plant have been modified forcing the plant to run without fossil fuel hybridization or changing its nominal power. After model validation, results have shown encouraging perspectives for the exploitation of this technology in China, with annual overall efficiencies of 14% for the 20 MW power plant (GEMASOLAR nominal power). In addition, the down-scaled plants have been optimized through native SAM software algorithm focusing on geometrical parameters. This procedure has been proved to be able of maintaining a high efficiency (14.97%) even for a 10 MW power plant. The focus has been on pilot plants, since they could represent the first step towards a deep exploitation of concentrating solar thermal power in China, with a relatively low capital risk.

Suggested Citation

  • Amadei, C.A. & Allesina, G. & Tartarini, P. & Yuting, Wu, 2013. "Simulation of GEMASOLAR-based solar tower plants for the Chinese energy market: Influence of plant downsizing and location change," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 366-373.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:55:y:2013:i:c:p:366-373
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2012.12.022
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960148112007884
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.renene.2012.12.022?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ummadisingu, Amita & Soni, M.S., 2011. "Concentrating solar power – Technology, potential and policy in India," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(9), pages 5169-5175.
    2. Peidong, Zhang & Yanli, Yang & jin, Shi & Yonghong, Zheng & Lisheng, Wang & Xinrong, Li, 2009. "Opportunities and challenges for renewable energy policy in China," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(2), pages 439-449, February.
    3. Liu, Wen & Lund, Henrik & Mathiesen, Brian Vad & Zhang, Xiliang, 2011. "Potential of renewable energy systems in China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(2), pages 518-525, February.
    4. Kahrl, Fredrich & Roland-Holst, David, 2009. "Growth and structural change in China's energy economy," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(7), pages 894-903.
    5. Liu, Tong & Xu, Gang & Cai, Peng & Tian, Longhu & Huang, Qili, 2011. "Development forecast of renewable energy power generation in China and its influence on the GHG control strategy of the country," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(4), pages 1284-1292.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Serrano-Arrabal, J. & Serrano-Aguilera, J.J. & Sánchez-González, A., 2021. "Dual-tower CSP plants: optical assessment and optimization with a novel cone-tracing model," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 429-442.
    2. Boukelia, T.E. & Bouraoui, A. & Laouafi, A. & Djimli, S. & Kabar, Y., 2020. "3E (Energy-Exergy-Economic) comparative study of integrating wet and dry cooling systems in solar tower power plants," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    3. Zhu, Yong & Zhai, Rongrong & Qi, Jiawei & Yang, Yongping & Reyes-Belmonte, M.A. & Romero, Manuel & Yan, Qin, 2017. "Annual performance of solar tower aided coal-fired power generation system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 662-674.
    4. Haneklaus, Nils & Schröders, Sarah & Zheng, Yanhua & Allelein, Hans-Josef, 2017. "Economic evaluation of flameless phosphate rock calcination with concentrated solar power and high temperature reactors," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 140(P1), pages 1148-1157.
    5. Alonso, J. & Batlles, F.J. & López, G. & Ternero, A., 2014. "Sky camera imagery processing based on a sky classification using radiometric data," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 599-608.
    6. Gutiérrez-Alvarez, R. & Guerra, K. & Haro, P., 2023. "Market profitability of CSP-biomass hybrid power plants: Towards a firm supply of renewable energy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 335(C).
    7. WenminQin, & Wang, Lunche & Gueymard, Christian A. & Bilal, Muhammad & Lin, Aiwen & Wei, Jing & Zhang, Ming & Yang, Xuefang, 2020. "Constructing a gridded direct normal irradiance dataset in China during 1981–2014," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    8. Boukelia, T.E. & Arslan, O. & Bouraoui, A., 2021. "Thermodynamic performance assessment of a new solar tower-geothermal combined power plant compared to the conventional solar tower power plant," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 232(C).
    9. Wang, Jianxing & Duan, Liqiang & Yang, Yongping, 2018. "An improvement crossover operation method in genetic algorithm and spatial optimization of heliostat field," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 155(C), pages 15-28.
    10. Gamil, Ahmed & Li, Peiwen & Ali, Babkir & Hamid, Mohamed Ali, 2022. "Concentrating solar thermal power generation in Sudan: Potential and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    11. Praveen R. P., 2019. "Performance Analysis and Optimization of Central Receiver Solar Thermal Power Plants for Utility Scale Power Generation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-16, December.
    12. Gutiérrez, R.E. & Haro, P. & Gómez-Barea, A., 2021. "Techno-economic and operational assessment of concentrated solar power plants with a dual supporting system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 302(C).
    13. Mihoub, Sofiane & Chermiti, Ali & Beltagy, Hani, 2017. "Methodology of determining the optimum performances of future concentrating solar thermal power plants in Algeria," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 801-810.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Fang, Yiping & Wei, Yanqiang, 2013. "Climate change adaptation on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau: The importance of solar energy utilization for rural household," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 18(C), pages 508-518.
    2. You, Wei & Geng, Yong & Dong, Huijuan & Wilson, Jeffrey & Pan, Hengyu & Wu, Rui & Sun, Lu & Zhang, Xi & Liu, Zhiqing, 2018. "Technical and economic assessment of RES penetration by modelling China's existing energy system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(PB), pages 900-910.
    3. Lam, J.C.K. & Woo, C.K. & Kahrl, F. & Yu, W.K., 2013. "What moves wind energy development in China? Show me the money!," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 423-429.
    4. Zhang, Dahai & Wang, Jiaqi & Lin, Yonggang & Si, Yulin & Huang, Can & Yang, Jing & Huang, Bin & Li, Wei, 2017. "Present situation and future prospect of renewable energy in China," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 865-871.
    5. Bao, Chao & Fang, Chuang-lin, 2013. "Geographical and environmental perspectives for the sustainable development of renewable energy in urbanizing China," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 464-474.
    6. Rodrigues, Sandy & Chen, Xiaoju & Morgado-Dias, F., 2017. "Economic analysis of photovoltaic systems for the residential market under China's new regulation," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 467-472.
    7. Zhou, Kaile & Yang, Shanlin & Shen, Chao & Ding, Shuai & Sun, Chaoping, 2015. "Energy conservation and emission reduction of China’s electric power industry," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 10-19.
    8. Ren, Jingzheng & Gao, Suzhao & Tan, Shiyu & Dong, Lichun, 2015. "Hydrogen economy in China: Strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats analysis and strategies prioritization," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 1230-1243.
    9. Wan, Kevin K.W. & Li, Danny H.W. & Pan, Wenyan & Lam, Joseph C., 2012. "Impact of climate change on building energy use in different climate zones and mitigation and adaptation implications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 274-282.
    10. Dulal, Hari Bansha & Shah, Kalim U. & Sapkota, Chandan & Uma, Gengaiah & Kandel, Bibek R., 2013. "Renewable energy diffusion in Asia: Can it happen without government support?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 301-311.
    11. Li, Danny H.W. & Yang, Liu & Lam, Joseph C., 2012. "Impact of climate change on energy use in the built environment in different climate zones – A review," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 42(1), pages 103-112.
    12. Hong, Lixuan & Zhou, Nan & Fridley, David & Raczkowski, Chris, 2013. "Assessment of China's renewable energy contribution during the 12th Five Year Plan," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 1533-1543.
    13. Liu, Shih-Yuan & Perng, Yeng-Horng & Ho, Yu-Feng, 2013. "The effect of renewable energy application on Taiwan buildings: What are the challenges and strategies for solar energy exploitation?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 92-106.
    14. Ming, Zeng & Ximei, Liu & Na, Li & Song, Xue, 2013. "Overall review of renewable energy tariff policy in China: Evolution, implementation, problems and countermeasures," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 25(C), pages 260-271.
    15. Zhou, Sheng & Tong, Qing & Yu, Sha & Wang, Yu & Chai, Qimin & Zhang, Xiliang, 2012. "Role of non-fossil energy in meeting China's energy and climate target for 2020," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 14-19.
    16. Adom, Philip Kofi, 2015. "Business cycle and economic-wide energy intensity: The implications for energy conservation policy in Algeria," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 334-350.
    17. Ahmed, Saeed & Mahmood, Anzar & Hasan, Ahmad & Sidhu, Guftaar Ahmad Sardar & Butt, Muhammad Fasih Uddin, 2016. "A comparative review of China, India and Pakistan renewable energy sectors and sharing opportunities," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 216-225.
    18. Kaivo-oja, J. & Luukkanen, J. & Panula-Ontto, J. & Vehmas, J. & Chen, Y. & Mikkonen, S. & Auffermann, B., 2014. "Are structural change and modernisation leading to convergence in the CO2 economy? Decomposition analysis of China, EU and USA," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 115-125.
    19. Zeng, Ming & Li, Chen & Zhou, Lisha, 2013. "Progress and prospective on the police system of renewable energy in China," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 20(C), pages 36-44.
    20. Liu, Wen & Hu, Weihao & Lund, Henrik & Chen, Zhe, 2013. "Electric vehicles and large-scale integration of wind power – The case of Inner Mongolia in China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 445-456.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:55:y:2013:i:c:p:366-373. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/renewable-energy .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.