Analysis of solar thermal concepts for electricity generation

Conference · Tue Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:5438776

Williams, T A; Brown, D R; Dirks, J A; Drost, M K

This paper presents performance and cost projections for three of the primary solar thermal alternatives which have been studied in the US Department of Energy Solar Thermal Program. A central receiver concept using a north-facing molten nitrate salt cavity receiver, a glass-metal parabolic dish concept with a dish mounted kinematic Stirling engine, and parabolic trough concept were all analyzed for electricity production. The cost and performance projections are for the late 1990's time frame and are based on the capabilities of the technologies which could be expected with further development. Both the central receiver and dish concepts analyzed in this study appear to be attractive long-term power options for electric power applications. The central receiver concept achieved the lowest levelized energy cost, at a value of 50 mills/kWh for a 100 MWe plant at high capacity factors. The parabolic dish systems lowest energy cost of 75 mills/kWh also occurred at a 100 MWe plant size, but at a no-storage capacity factor. The levelized energy cost of the parabolic trough concept was much higher than either of the other two concepts at a projected 210 mill/kWh; as configured, it is not competitive with either the central receiver or parabolic dish systems.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 5438776
• Report Number(s): PNL-SA-13771; CONF-860810-27; ON: DE86015053
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140702* -- Solar Thermal Power Systems-- Central Receiver
141000 -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
CAVITY RECEIVERS
CENTRAL RECEIVERS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CONCENTRATING COLLECTORS
COST
EQUIPMENT
PARABOLIC COLLECTORS
PARABOLIC DISH COLLECTORS
PARABOLIC TROUGH COLLECTORS
PERFORMANCE
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR RECEIVERS