Performance analysis of an integrated pumped-hydro and compressed-air energy storage system and solar organic Rankine cycle

Abstract

This research presents the performance study of a new energy storage system, i.e. Pumped-Hydro and Compressed-Air storage system, coupled with organic Rankine cycle (ORC) and Linear Fresnel solar reflector (LFR). The proposed cycle is capable of generating electricity and heat as well as storing storage. The LFR receives solar energy and turns it to the thermal power. The heat obtained from this way is used to supply heat to the evaporator of the ORC, and this system generates power. This power is then fed to the storage system pump. In the result section, the performances of storage system, solar and ORC systems, as well as coupled process are examined. The effect of key parameters such as operating pressures of the storage system, inlet temperature and pressure of organic fluid of the turbine of ORC, solar system inlet temperature and solar irradiance on process operation is examined. Furthermore, it is assumed that the solar collector works in the weather conditions of Esfahan (in Iran). The findings showed that the energy required by the pump and the energy level in the vessel for the isothermal process are 3.24 and 2.43 MJ/m3, respectively. These values were 2.79 and 2.09 MJ/m3, respectively, for the isentropic process. In addition, the system storage efficiency is equal to 60%. Furthermore, the isentropic process compared to isothermal process requires less solar collector area.