A multiphysics model of large-scale compact PV–CSP hybrid plants

Abstract

Do compact Photovoltaic–Concentrated Solar Power hybrid systems offer the opportunity for the expansion of the global solar market? Despite the inherent potential of this technology to provide both affordable and dispatchable solar electricity, it is still unclear how the combination of Photovoltaic and Concentrated Solar Power may offer a net advantage over conventional solar plants. Herein, large-scale compact Photovoltaic–Concentrated Solar Power hybrid plants are modeled considering two different hybrid approaches, over a whole year operation, and compared with a conventional Concentrated Solar Power plant. A detailed optical, electrical and thermal model is developed to analyse the temporal output characteristics of the hybrid plants, based on realistic input parameters and representative meteorological data in Targassonne, France. Results show that both hybrid systems may deliver significantly higher energy output over the conventional Concentrated Solar Power plant, provided that several key parameters are optimized. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the two-hybrid strategies investigated to the operating conditions, and to the characteristics of the solar cells used, are analyzed. In the light of these results, the main scientific and technological issues one should address to ensure optimal operation of these compact hybrid plants are finally discussed.