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Performance Analysis and Optimization of Central Receiver Solar Thermal Power Plants for Utility Scale Power Generation

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  • Praveen R. P.

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

The paper puts forth the design, performance analysis, and optimization of a 100 MWe central receiver solar thermal power plant with thermal energy storage capability, which can be utilized effectively to meet the renewable energy targets of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). In this paper, three representative sites in KSA are selected for analysis as these sites experience an annual average direct normal irradiance (DNI) of more than 5.5 kWh/m 2 /day. The optimization approach presented in this work aims to arrive at the best possible design parameters that suit a particular location in accordance with its DNI profile. From the analysis, an annual energy of 559.61 GWh can be generated in Yanbu with eight hours of thermal energy storage, 18.19% plant efficiency, and a capacity factor of 61.1%. The central receiver plant in Abha would be able to offer an annual energy of 536.31 GWh with the highest plant efficiency of 18.97% and a capacity factor of 60.7%. The performance of the proposed design in the two locations of Yanbu and Abha fares better when compared to the operational plant data of central receiver plant in Crescent Dunes. Based on the findings, the proposed 100 MWe central receiver Solar thermal power plants can be effectively implemented in KSA to meet the energy demands of the region.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2019:i:1:p:127-:d:301030
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ramli, Makbul A.M. & Twaha, Ssennoga & Al-Hamouz, Zakariya, 2017. "Analyzing the potential and progress of distributed generation applications in Saudi Arabia: The case of solar and wind resources," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 287-297.
    2. Yu, Qiang & Wang, Zhifeng & Xu, Ershu & Li, Xin & Guo, Minghuan, 2012. "Modeling and dynamic simulation of the collector and receiver system of 1MWe DAHAN solar thermal power tower plant," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 18-29.
    3. 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.
    4. Zhang, H.L. & Baeyens, J. & Degrève, J. & Cacères, G., 2013. "Concentrated solar power plants: Review and design methodology," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 22(C), pages 466-481.
    5. Jafrancesco, David & Cardoso, Joao P. & Mutuberria, Amaia & Leonardi, Erminia & Les, Iñigo & Sansoni, Paola & Francini, Franco & Fontani, Daniela, 2018. "Optical simulation of a central receiver system: Comparison of different software tools," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 792-803.
    6. Avila-Marin, Antonio L. & Fernandez-Reche, Jesus & Tellez, Felix M., 2013. "Evaluation of the potential of central receiver solar power plants: Configuration, optimization and trends," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 274-288.
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