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Title: Solar cogeneration systems for industry: design and investment analysis

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5199336

This study analyzes the use of solar energy for the combined generation (cogeneration) of electricity and industrial process heat (IPH). Solar systems that separately produce electricity or industrial process heat (IPH) have been widely analyzed, and their feasibility has been demonstrated. On the other hand, very little research attention has been paid to solar cogeneration. In this study, a design procedure for solar cogeneration is developed, and optimal designs based on different decision variables are identified. The design procedure is based on end-use analysis of industrial processes. Case studies are used to identify significant design parameters for solar-cogeneration systems. These end-use parameters are integrated into a simulation model that calculates electricity production costs, return on investment, and fuel displacement over a wide range of system sizes, based on different electrical-power outputs and fractions of daily demand. Key factors influencing investment feasibility and optimal design characteristics are identified for solar-cogeneration systems. The optimal designs are compared to other electricity-generating technologies in order to provide an energy-planning perspective, and finally, the design methodology itself is evaluated.

Research Organization:
Stanford Univ., CA (USA)
OSTI ID:
5199336
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English