Assessment of generic solar thermal systems for large power applications: analysis of electric power generating costs for systems larger than 10 MWe
Seven generic types of collectors, together with associated subsystems for electric power generation, were considered. The collectors can be classified into three categories: (1) two-axis tracking (with compound-curvature reflecting surfaces); (2) one-axis tracking (with single-curvature reflecting surfaces); and (3) nontracking (with low-concentration reflecting surfaces). All seven collectors were analyzed in conceptual system configurations with Rankine-cycle engines. In addition, two of the collectors were analyzed with Brayton-cycle engines, and one was analyzed with a Stirling-cycle engine. With these engine options, and the consideration of both thermal and electrical storage for the Brayton-cycle central receiver, 11 systems were formulated for analysis. Conceptual designs developed for the 11 systems were based on common assumptions of available technology in the 1990 to 2000 time frame. No attempt was made to perform a detailed optimization of each conceptual design. Rather, designs best suited for a comparative evaluation of the concepts were formulated. Costs were estimated on the basis of identical assumptions, ground rules, methodologies, and unit costs of materials and labor applied uniformly to all of the concepts. The computer code SOLSTEP was used to analyze the thermodynamic performance characteristics and energy costs of the 11 concepts. Year-long simulations were performed using meteorological and insolation data for Barstow, California. Results for each concept include levelized energy costs and capacity factors for various combinations of storage capacity and collector field size.
- Research Organization:
- Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 6944857
- Report Number(s):
- PNL-3533(Vol.1)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANTS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COST
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
BRAYTON CYCLE
COMPOUND PARABOLIC CONCENTRATORS
COMPUTER CALCULATIONS
COOLING TOWERS
DATA
DISTRIBUTED COLLECTOR POWER PLANTS
ECONOMICS
ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
FIXED MIRROR COLLECTORS
MAINTENANCE
OPERATION
PARABOLIC DISH COLLECTORS
PARABOLIC TROUGH COLLECTORS
PERFORMANCE
POWER RANGE 10-100 MW
POWER RANGE 100-1000 MW
RANKINE CYCLE
STIRLING CYCLE
THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT
TOWER FOCUS POWER PLANTS
WORKING FLUIDS
CONCENTRATING COLLECTORS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
INFORMATION
PARABOLIC COLLECTORS
POWER PLANTS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES
140700* - Solar Thermal Power Systems
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200106 - Fossil-Fueled Power Plants- Economics
299001 - Energy Planning & Policy- Solar- (1989-)