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

Abstract

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.