Abstract
The evolution of electric generation systems, according to relevant legislation, allows for the parallel evolution of the installed power capacity of renewable resources with the development of technologies for renewable resources, therefore optimizing the choice of energy mix from renewable resources by prioritizing the implementation of concentrating solar thermal plants. Thanks to their great potential, parabolic trough solar thermal power plants have become the most widely spread type of electricity generation by renewable solar energy. Nonetheless, the operation of the plant is not unique; it must be adapted to the parameters of solar radiation and market behavior for each specific location. This work focuses on the search for the optimal strategies of operation by a mathematical model of a 50 MWe parabolic trough thermal power plant with thermal storage. The analysis of the different ways of operation throughout a whole year, including model verification via a currently operating plant, provides meaningful insights into the electricity generated. Focused to work under non-regulated electricity markets to adjust this type of technology to the European directives, the presented model of optimization allows for the adaptation of the curve of generation to the network demands and market prices, rising the profitability of the power plant. Thus, related to solar resources and market price, the economic benefit derived from the electricity production improves between 5.17% and 7.79%.
Highlights
At present, the generation of electricity by renewable resources from solar energy depends on solar availability, regardless of the specific plant location and the electrical market
parabolic trough (PT) solar thermal plant, with a thermal storage system, improves the economic benefit derived from its electricity production in a meaningful way, related to market prices
The results obtained in the optimized operation of the plant allow for improvement of solar resource utilization in periods when the price of the energy produced is more favorable, increasing the general operation benefit throughout the year
Summary
The generation of electricity by renewable resources from solar energy depends on solar availability, regardless of the specific plant location and the electrical market. The current trend of solar thermal power plants is to assume the characteristics of the electricity market, either regulated or free, according to each location. The adaptation of generation-to-demand improves the integration of solar thermal energy into the electricity market [2]. This work presents an analysis of and the plans for power generation by a parabolic trough (PT). Solar thermal power plant, enabling better integration into the grid, as well as a presentation of the best offers on the most favorable periods of purchase price [3].
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