Abstract
A hybrid power cycle is designed based on the Allam cycle configuration. The system utilizes solar power as its primary heat source and natural gas oxy-combustion as a complementing heat source. The purpose of the complimenting heat source is continual production when the sun is not available and to ensure the reliability, responsiveness, and availability of the cycle for power generation with minimal adverse effects on the environment. This study is divided into three major steps. The first and second are energy and exergy analyses. The third step is exergoeconomic analysis to obtain the cost contribution of cycle components relative to its final product. Both configurations brought similar power output and second law efficiency. However, the energy efficiency was higher for the oxy-combustion configuration. The total product cost ($/GJ) for the oxy-combustion configuration was 50% less for the concentrated solar power configuration. The unit cost of electricity in (Cent/kWh) for the concentrated solar power configuration is approximately 60% higher than for the oxy-combustion configuration. The results showed potential reduction and cost-saving for both configurations; reducing exergy destruction in the main heat exchanger and the recuperator (concentrated solar power) or replacing the air separation unit (oxy-combustion configuration).
Highlights
Energy production and consumption are forecasted to increase for the foreseeable future due to population growth and higher living standards
The second law of thermodynamics efficiency is within the same range, in terms of the first law of thermodynamics efficiency, the OC configuration is higher by 7%
It is worth mentioning that the combustion chamber and the air separation unit (ASU) supply the OC configuration heat, while heat supplied to the concentrated solar power (CSP) configuration is provided by the CSP plant
Summary
Energy production and consumption are forecasted to increase for the foreseeable future due to population growth and higher living standards. Various combustion technologies are utilized to convert fossil fuels to thermal energy to act as the heat source for thermal power cycles, this process's byproducts usually pollute the environment. In a study by Allam et al, the authors claimed an overall cycle efficiency of 59% [10] Another good strategy to avoid pollution from the power industry is to utilize renewable energy resources. The CSP main heat exchanger transfers heat between the HTF, molten salt, and the power cycle working fluid, sCO2. Assuming a cycle unit that receives heat and generates work, the following general cost rate balance equation is applied to its inlet and outlet streams [20]: Cq ,k + ∑ Ci ,k + Żk = ∑ Cė ,k + Cẇ ,k (7). The product stream cost rate of the cycle is calculated utilizing the specific exergy costing (SPECO) approach [35]
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