Exergy analysis of an integrated solar combined cycle system

Abstract

Exergetic analysis has become an integral part of thermodynamic assessment of any power generation system. Energy and exergy studies for power plants optimum design and for combined chemical industries received much attention recently. An Integrated Solar Combined Cycle System (ISCCS) is proposed as a means of integrating a parabolic trough solar thermal plant with modern combined cycle power plants. In this study attempt will be made to analyze the Integrated Solar Combined Cycle in Yazd, Iran using design plant data. Energy and exergy analysis for the solar field and combined cycle is carried out to assess the plant performance and pinpoint sites of primary exergy destruction. Exergy destruction throughout the plant is quantified and illustrated using an exergy flow diagram, and compared to the energy flow diagram. The causes of exergy destruction in the plant include: losses in combustor, collector, heat exchangers, and pump & turbines which accounts for 29.62, 8.69, 9.11 and 8% of the total exergy input to the plant, respectively. Exergetic efficiencies of the major plant components are determined in an attempt to assess their individual performances.