Open AccessEnergy, exergy, and economic analysis of an integrated solar combined cycle power plant
Author(s) -
Benabdellah Hamza Moussa,
Ghenaiet Adel
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
engineering reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2577-8196
DOI - 10.1002/eng2.12404
Subject(s) - parabolic trough , exergy , cost of electricity by source , environmental science , exergy efficiency , solar energy , process engineering , power station , thermal energy storage , thermal energy , natural gas , photovoltaic system , electricity generation , engineering , waste management , power (physics) , electrical engineering , thermodynamics , physics
Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) power plants based on Parabolic Trough Concentrators (PTCs) are the most efficient way for solar into electrical energy conversion. However, due to operation in several climate conditions, they need more efforts in their adaptation. This paper presents a techno‐economic assessment of an ISCC ‐ PTC system operating at Hassi R'mel site (Algerian Sahara) for which a new thermal storage system is incorporated. The obtained results reveal noticeable enhancements in the solar energy conversion and the overall power plant performance, hence offering better stability to the grid. As shown, the net solar thermal energy conversion ratio may reach up to 14%. Energy and exergy efficiencies are respectively equal to 56.06% and 53.29%, and about 46% of exergy received by the system is destructed. Moreover, the obtained Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) is around 9.75 ¢/kWh which is very promising, but still higher compared with a simple Combined Cycle (CC). At this geographical site, the modified ISCC ‐ PTC power plant will allow saving about 30 million $ in natural gas consumption and 13 million $ in emission taxes.