Thermodynamic mechanism for hybridization of moderate-temperature solar heat with conventional fossil-fired power plant

Yawen Zhao, Hui Hong, Hongguang Jin and Peiwen Li

Energy, 2017, vol. 133, issue C, 832-842

Abstract: The objective of this study is to achieve a higher solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency through solar-fossil hybrid thermal power systems compared to a solar-only power plant. The study reveals the thermodynamic details for the improved solar-to-electricity efficiency in a solar hybrid power plant. A correlation was established to describe the main factors influencing the thermodynamic performances, including higher collector efficiency, higher turbine efficiency and upgraded energy level of the moderate-temperature solar heat. This proposed mechanism can be applied to effectively integrate solar and fossil-fired energy in a power system. The studies took typical fossil-fired power plants to hybridize with solar heat in three approaches: preheating the feed water before it entering the boiler for coal-fired system; heating for generation of saturate steam or superheated steam in gas-fired combined cycle. The results indicate that the moderate-temperature solar and fossil hybridization technology can provide a promising direction for efficient utilization of low-grade solar heat.

Keywords: Solar-fossil hybridization; Moderate-temperature solar heat; Solar-to-electricity efficiency; Upgrade of energy level (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:133:y:2017:i:c:p:832-842

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2017.05.069

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