Optimal Operation Strategies into Deregulated Markets for 50 MW e Parabolic Trough Solar Thermal Power Plants with Thermal Storage

Jorge M. Llamas, David Bullejos and Manuel Ruiz de Adana
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Jorge M. Llamas: Department of Electrical Engineering, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Córdoba (EPSC), University of Cordoba, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km. 396, 14071- Cordoba, Spain
David Bullejos: Department of Electrical Engineering, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Córdoba (EPSC), University of Cordoba, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km. 396, 14071- Cordoba, Spain
Manuel Ruiz de Adana: Department of Thermal Engines, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Córdoba (EPSC), University of Cordoba, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km. 396, 14071- Cordoba, Spain

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 5, 1-18

Abstract: The evolution of electric generation systems, according to relevant legislation, allows for the parallel evolution of the installed power capacity of renewable resources with the development of technologies for renewable resources, therefore optimizing the choice of energy mix from renewable resources by prioritizing the implementation of concentrating solar thermal plants. Thanks to their great potential, parabolic trough solar thermal power plants have become the most widely spread type of electricity generation by renewable solar energy. Nonetheless, the operation of the plant is not unique; it must be adapted to the parameters of solar radiation and market behavior for each specific location. This work focuses on the search for the optimal strategies of operation by a mathematical model of a 50 MW e parabolic trough thermal power plant with thermal storage. The analysis of the different ways of operation throughout a whole year, including model verification via a currently operating plant, provides meaningful insights into the electricity generated. Focused to work under non-regulated electricity markets to adjust this type of technology to the European directives, the presented model of optimization allows for the adaptation of the curve of generation to the network demands and market prices, rising the profitability of the power plant. Thus, related to solar resources and market price, the economic benefit derived from the electricity production improves between 5.17% and 7.79%.

Keywords: solar thermal; parabolic trough; thermal storage; model validation; electricity market; operation strategy (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: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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