If compared to a conventional combined cycle, the optimal design of an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) requires the consideration of additional design parameters, such as the optimal integration point of the solar steam import in the combined cycle, the solar steam generator rating or the size of the solar field. Moreover, to identify the optimal design over the entire operating profile, the trade-off between amount of solar steam generation capacity and the (over)sizing of key components like HRSG, steam turbine, and condenser needs to be considered.
Alstom is prepared to integrate its proprietary technologies in an ISCC. Taking on the above challenge while providing the best possible value to customers calls for advanced methodologies for the selection of the design parameters.
This paper presents a methodology for the initial design of an ISCC, which through determination of the plant thermo-economic performance for a given set of technical and economical boundary conditions, as well as under consideration of the plant’s operating profile, allows identifying the ISCC design with the highest return on investment.
The additional capabilities implemented in the latest development of Alstom’s in-house plant optimization toolbox show that choice of the operating regimes has a strong effect on customer investment strategy.
This confirms that availability of an optimization tool allowing a systematic identification of the right ISCC configuration for the given project specific constraints, is vital.
This tool development handles the critical design parameters with the required accuracy, thus enabling to match the ISCC design with the operational, economical, and physical boundaries of an ISCC project. Furthermore, the tool allows to carry out sensitivity studies and to prioritize development efforts.