Energetic & exergetic analysis of a parabolic trough: concentrated solar power plant

Solar energy is the most affordable source of energy. Parabolic trough systems are used to concentrate and extract heat, therefore it’s very significant to analyse its performance in terms of energy and exergy. Exergy based analysis of the system ensures the eradication of losses, resulting in the yield of energy of the highest quality. In this paper, an investigation has been carried out using numerical simulation with an objective of analysis of Parabolic Trough Collectors on the basis of energy and exergy. Detailed second law analysis has been performed by varying the system and operating parameters through computer simulation. Exergy output has been determined by analysing the effect of major system parameters, namely, mirror reflectivity, glass transmissivity, absorptivity, the diameter of glass envelop, and the receiver. The operating parameters considered in the investigation are insolation and temperature rise parameters. The extensive investigation of the parabolic trough of a concentrated solar power plant for various design parameters in the range of operating parameters reveals that it is beneficial to operate the system at higher temperature as opposed to the preference of the operating system at lower temperature from purely thermal considerations.

Download Full-text

Design of a parabolic trough concentrated solar power plant in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/202016002005 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 160 ◽

pp. 02005

Author(s):

Wael Al-Kouz ◽

Jamal Nayfeh ◽

Alberto Boretti

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Energy Storage ◽

Power Plant ◽

Thermal Energy ◽

Thermal Energy Storage ◽

Solar Power ◽

Small Scale ◽

Solar Power Plant ◽

Concentrated Solar Power ◽

Parabolic Trough

The paper discusses the design options for a concentrated solar power plant in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The specific conditions, in terms of weather and sun irradiance, are considered, including sand and dust, humidity, temperature and proximity to the sea. Different real-world experiences are then considered, to understand the best design to adapt to the specific conditions. Concentrated solar power solar tower with thermal energy storage such as Crescent Dunes, or concentrated solar power solar tower without thermal energy storage but boost by natural gas combustion such as Ivanpah are disregarded for the higher costs, the performances well below the design, and the extra difficulties for the specific location such as temperatures, humidity and sand/dust that suggest the use of an enclosed trough. Concentrated solar power parabolic trough without thermal energy storage such as Genesis or Mojave, of drastically reduced cost and much better performances, do not provide however the added value of thermal energy storage and dispatchability that can make interesting Concentrated solar power vs. alternatives such as wind and solar photovoltaic. Thus, the concentrated solar power parabolic trough with thermal energy storage of Solana, of intermediate costs and best performances, albeit slightly lower than the design values, is selected. This design will have to be modified to enclosed trough and adopt a Seawater, Once-trough condenser. Being the development peculiar, a small scale pilot plant is suggested before a full-scale development.

Download Full-text