Performance Analysis and Optimization of a Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plant in the Middle East Region

Praveen R. P., Mohammad Abdul Baseer, Ahmed Bilal Awan and Muhammad Zubair
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Praveen R. P.: Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
Mohammad Abdul Baseer: Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
Ahmed Bilal Awan: Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
Muhammad Zubair: Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 4, 1-18

Abstract: The Middle East is one among the areas of the world that receive high amounts of direct solar radiation. As such, the region holds a promising potential to leverage clean energy. Owing to rapid urbanization, energy demands in the region are on the rise. Along with the global push to curb undesirable outcomes such as air pollution, emissions of greenhouse gases, and climate change, an urgent need has arisen to explore and exploit the abundant renewable energy sources. This paper presents the design, performance analysis and optimization of a 100 MWe parabolic trough collector Solar Power Plant with thermal energy storage intended for use in the Middle Eastern regions. Two representative sites in the Middle East which offer an annual average direct normal irradiance (DNI) of more than 5.5 kWh/m 2 /day has been chosen for the analysis. The thermodynamic aspect and annual performance of the proposed plant design is also analyzed using the System Advisor Model (SAM) version 2017.9.5. Based on the analysis carried out on the initial design, annual power generated from the proposed concentrating solar power (CSP) plant design in Abu Dhabi amounts to 333.15 GWh whereas that in Aswan recorded a value of 369.26 GWh, with capacity factors of 38.1% and 42.19% respectively. The mean efficiency of the plants in Abu Dhabi and Aswan are found to be 14.35% and 14.98% respectively. The optimization of the initial plant design is also carried out by varying two main design parameters, namely the solar multiple and full load hours of thermal energy storage (TES). Based on the findings of the study, the proposed 100 MW parabolic trough collector solar power plant with thermal energy storage can contribute to the sustainable energy future of the Middle East with reduced dependency on fossil fuels.

Keywords: renewable energy; concentrated solar power; thermal energy storage; parabolic trough collector; Middle East; optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (18)

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