Modeling The Potential For Thermal Concentrating Solar Power Technologies

Journal Article · Mon Oct 25 00:00:00 EDT 2010 · Energy Policy, 38(12):7884-7897

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2010.09.008· OSTI ID:1000141

Zhang, Yabei; Smith, Steven J; Kyle, G Page

In this paper we explore the tradeoffs between thermal storage capacity, cost, and other system parameters in order to examine possible evolutionary pathways for thermal Concen-trating Solar Power (CSP) technologies. A representation of CSP performance that is suit-able for incorporation into economic modeling tools is developed. We find that, as the fraction of electricity supplied by CSP technologies grows, the application of thermal CSP technologies might progress from current hybrid plants, to plants with a modest amount of thermal storage, and potentially even to plants with sufficient thermal storage to provide base load generation capacity. The representation of CSP cost and performance developed here was implemented in the ObjECTS MiniCAM long-term integrated assessment model. Datasets for global solar resource characteristics as applied to CSP technology were also developed. The regional and global potential of thermal CSP technologies is examined.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1000141
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-69443; EB5701000
• Journal Information: Energy Policy, 38(12):7884-7897, Journal Name: Energy Policy, 38(12):7884-7897
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English