A performance evaluation of an integrated solar combined cycle power plant with solar tower in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

• A 548.4 MW Integrated solar combined cycle power plant is proposed including 50 MW from solar tower technology. • A techno-economic analysis outcomes are incorporated with the weather characteristics of Saudi Arabia. • On-the-ground measured meteorological data is adopted for accurate simulations. • The hybridized solar tower field achieved efficiency ranging between 53 and 59% annually and a capacity factor of 49.9%. • The annual generation of the solar tower field is found to be at 220.89 GWh and the levelized cost of energy 12.71 cent/kWh. Improving the diversification and sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s national electricity grid is a strategic priority. In order for this objective to come to fruition, increasing the penetration of renewable energy resources (RESs) is of paramount importance. This is where the importance of improving solar powered technologies becomes crucial. Specifically, concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) technologies have significant potential in Saudi Arabia, as well as other locations with high averages of direct normal irradiation. In this research, a techno-economic analysis has been conducted for the adoption of an integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) which utilizes solar tower (ST) technology in Saudi Arabia. The power plant under study has a total capacity of 548.4 MW, of which 50 MW is from CSP. The outputs of this model are compared with other conventional and renewable energy sources quantitively. The results show that the hybridized ST field can achieve efficiency ranging between 53 and 59% annually leading to a capacity factor of 49.9% which is higher than other RES technologies of similar intermittent nature. The solar field installed capacity represents 9.11% of the total power plant capacity, whereas its output represents up to 10.7% of the total output. The annual generation of the solar tower field is found to be at 220.89 GWh, net present value (NPV) 10.2 MSUD, and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) 12.71 cent/kWh. The results reflect that the hybridization of CSP with conventional combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) results in enhanced annual generation, lower energy cost, and facilitates the transition to stand-alone CSP. The hybridization of ST ISCC helps to steadily build up the know-how of the operation and maintenance of a technology with great potential given the weather and demand characteristics of Saudi Arabia. Results of this research can facilitate decision-making in the early stages of penetrating CSP to the electricity mix in the Saudi national grid in order to achieve the desired sustainability of energy sources.