Open Access

ARTICLE

Off-Design Simulation of a CSP Power Plant Integrated with a Waste Heat Recovery System

by T. E. Boukelia^1,2,*, A. Bourouis¹, M. E. Abdesselem³, M. S. Mecibah³

1 Mechanical Engineering Department, Jijel University, Jijel, 18000, Algeria
2 Mechanical and Advanced Materials Laboratory, Polytechnic School of Constantine, Constantine, 25000, Algeria
3 Laboratory of Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Brothers Mentouri, Constantine, 25000, Algeria

* Corresponding Author: T. E. Boukelia. Email:

Energy Engineering 2023, 120(11), 2449-2467. https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2023.030183

Received 25 March 2023; Accepted 18 August 2023; Issue published 31 October 2023

Abstract

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants offer a promising way to generate low-emission energy. However, these plants face challenges such as reduced sunlight during winter and cloudy days, despite being located in high solar radiation areas. Furthermore, their dispatch capacities and yields can be affected by high electricity consumption, particularly at night. The present work aims to develop an off-design model that evaluates the hourly and annual performances of a parabolic trough power plant (PTPP) equipped with a waste heat recovery system. The study aims to compare the performances of this new layout with those of the conventional Andasol 1 plant, with the aim of assessing the improvements achieved in the new design. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the new layout has increased the annual generated power to almost 183 GWh (an increase of about 7.60% is achieved compared to the Andasol 1 layout that generates 169 GWh annually). Additionally, the proposed installation has achieved an efficiency of 20.55%, which represents a 7.87% increase compared to the previous design (19.05%). The Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of the new layout has been reduced by more than 5.8% compared to the Andasol 1 plant. Specifically, it has decreased from 13.11 to 12.35 c/kWh. This reduction in LCOE highlights the improved cost-effectiveness of the new layout, making it a more economically viable option for generating electricity compared to the conventional Andasol 1 plant.

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Keywords

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