Recent advances in gas/steam power cycles for concentrating solar power

Abstract

Nowadays, solar energy is attempted being utilised extensively to generate electrical power. Solar energy can be employed independently or with fossil fuels to reduce CO2 emission and the Levelized cost of power generation. This paper reviews the advances in thermal power cycles concerning concentrating solar power (CSP) applications. Based on the studies, it is evident that the supercritical steam turbines are an appealing option at a larger scale when employing multiple solar towers combined with heat transfer fluid (HTF). The advancement of the supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle also provides the prospects of lower Levelized cost for getting higher cycle efficiency across a range of capacity at acceptable temperatures. CSP applications to advanced power cycle and heat energy storage provide a superior arrangement to the grid at lower stability cost and high reliability, which helps solar energy make rapid commercial progress; nevertheless, lower prices and higher efficiency are critical. Abbreviations: HTF, Heat Transfer Fluid; CC, Combined Cycle; CSP, Concentrated Solar Power; FPC, Flat Plate Collector; PDC, Parabolic Dish Collector; DSG, Direct Steam Generator; LFR, Linear Fresnel Lenses; ISCC, Integrated Solar Combined Cycle; SPT, Solar Power Tower; TES, Thermal Energy Storage; TET, Turbine entry temperature; ETC, Evacuated Tube Collector; PTC, Parabolic Trough Collector; PCC, Post Combustion Carbon Capture; ORC, Organic Rankine Cycle; GHGs, Green House Gases.