Assessing parabolic trough collectors and linear Fresnel reflectors direct steam generation solar power plants in Northwest México

Abstract

Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems offer promising solutions for harnessing solar energy. Parabolic trough collectors (PTC) are prevalent in CSP, but direct steam generation (DSG) in solar fields is an innovative alternative that eliminates the need for thermal oils. This study compares EuroTrough PTC and optimized linear Fresnel reflector (LFR) geometries for DSG for Mexican operating conditions. Two 10 MW Rankine cycles with two and three steam extractions are considered. The study evaluates 16 solar field configurations capable of delivering 400 °C superheated steam at 100 bar. Assessment parameters include effective concentration area, nominal loop inlet pressure, energy and exergy efficiency, and hypothetical thermal storage size. The findings strongly favor PTC solar fields with 14 loops, exhibiting superior performance. However, three-loop LFR configurations are suggested where pressure reduction prevails. Three-loop LFR arrays minimize land utilization for spatially constrained installations, while larger five-loop configurations optimize efficiency. Employing 14 PTC loops prioritizes thermal energy storage. In contrast, 8 PTC loops maximize storage capacity. The study underscores the advantages of Fresnel reflectors over parabolic troughs in specific scenarios, presenting avenues for future exploration. This analysis lays the groundwork for assessing these technologies in the distinctive context of Mexican operations, offering valuable insights into sustainable energy applications.