4E analysis of three different configurations of a combined cycle power plant integrated with a solar power tower system

Abstract

In this research, Abadan Combined cycle power plant in Iran has been studied 4E (Energy, Exergy, Economic and Environmental), and in order to improve its performance, three different configurations are proposed in which this Combined cycle power plant combines with a solar power tower system. The hybrid power plant is investigated in three modes of using the solar tower system, first preheat inlet fuel to the Combustion chamber, second preheat the Combustion chamber inlet air and finally its use in dual pressure Heat recovery steam generator of the power plant. The hybrid system results demonstrate that the system in the first configuration has the energy and exergy efficiency of 42.56% and 39.42% and the lowest initial cost among the three configurations. This system also reduces emissions from the combined power plant by 8041 tonnes/year. Results of the second configuration show the highest energy efficiency and exergy efficiency of 51.38% and 41.75%, respectively. This system saves $11 million in annual fuel consumption and prevents 34563tonnes/year of emissions from entering the atmosphere. The system in the third configuration has the energy and exergy efficiency of 47.8% and 40.97%, respectively and the highest power generation of 370.4 MW, among the other configurations.