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Multi-Utility Solar Thermal Systems: Harnessing Parabolic Trough Concentrator Using SAM Software for Diverse Industrial and Residential Applications

Author

Listed:
  • Soufyane Naaim

    (Laboratory of Electronic Systems, Information Processing, Mechanics and Energetics, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra P.C 133-14000, Morocco)

  • Badr Ouhammou

    (National School of Applied Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Eljadida P.C 5096-24002, Morocco)

  • Mohammed Aggour

    (Laboratory of Electronic Systems, Information Processing, Mechanics and Energetics, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra P.C 133-14000, Morocco)

  • Brahim Daouchi

    (Laboratory of Electronic Systems, Information Processing, Mechanics and Energetics, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra P.C 133-14000, Morocco)

  • El Mahdi El Mers

    (Laboratory of Electronic Systems, Information Processing, Mechanics and Energetics, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra P.C 133-14000, Morocco)

  • Miriam Mihi

    (Laboratory of Electronic Systems, Information Processing, Mechanics and Energetics, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra P.C 133-14000, Morocco)

Abstract

This study investigates the technical and economic feasibility of a 20 M W parabolic trough solar thermal power plant (PTSTPP) located in Kenitra, Morocco, characterized by an annual average direct normal irradiance (DNI) exceeding 5.3 k W h / m 2 / d a y . Utilizing System Advisor Model (SAM) 2012.12.02 software, the plant is designed with Therminol VP-1 as the heat transfer fluid (HTF) throughout the solar field, coupled with a dry cooling system to reduce water consumption. The proposed thermal energy storage (TES) system employs HITEC solar salt as the storage medium, allowing for six full load hours of thermal energy storage. With a solar multiple (SM) of 2, the simulated plant demonstrates the capability to generate an annual electricity output of 50.51 G W h . The economic viability of the plant is further assessed, revealing a Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of 0.1717 $ / k W h and a capacity factor (CF) of 32%. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the performance, economic viability, and sustainability of a parabolic trough solar power plant in the specific climatic conditions of Kenitra, Morocco.

Suggested Citation

  • Soufyane Naaim & Badr Ouhammou & Mohammed Aggour & Brahim Daouchi & El Mahdi El Mers & Miriam Mihi, 2024. "Multi-Utility Solar Thermal Systems: Harnessing Parabolic Trough Concentrator Using SAM Software for Diverse Industrial and Residential Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:15:p:3685-:d:1443485
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kalogirou, Soteris A., 2012. "A detailed thermal model of a parabolic trough collector receiver," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 48(1), pages 298-306.
    2. Aly, Ahmed & Bernardos, Ana & Fernandez-Peruchena, Carlos M. & Jensen, Steen Solvang & Pedersen, Anders Branth, 2019. "Is Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) a feasible option for Sub-Saharan Africa?: Investigating the techno-economic feasibility of CSP in Tanzania," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 135(C), pages 1224-1240.
    3. Hanane Ait Lahoussine Ouali & Ahmed Alami Merrouni & Shahariar Chowdhury & Kuaanan Techato & Sittiporn Channumsin & Nasim Ullah, 2022. "Optimization and Techno-Economic Appraisal of Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plant under Different Scenarios: A Case Study of Morocco," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-20, November.
    4. Yuanjing, Wang & Cheng, Zhang & Yanping, Zhang & Xiaohong, Huang, 2020. "Performance analysis of an improved 30 MW parabolic trough solar thermal power plant," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 213(C).
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