Thermal analysis and dynamic attributes of a sustainable CSP-fossil hybrid power plant utilizing organic Rankine cycles for enhanced plant performance

Abstract

The increasing global demand for energy, driven by population growth, highlights the need for sustainable solutions to ensure a sustainable future. This article outlines the design and optimization process of a 1 MW CSP-Fossil hybrid power plant that examines the utilization of toluene and cyclohexane as working fluids within three distinct Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) configurations (simple, recuperated, and with Open Feed Organic Heater). This study aims to propose a sustainable and effective solution for satisfying energy needs while addressing the intermittent nature of solar resources by enhancing system architecture and incorporating fossil fuel technologies. The solar field design has been based on a Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) system, which generated 44% of the total energy output from renewable solar sources. The analysis takes into consideration a selection of criteria, notably thermal efficiency, overall efficiency, power generation capacity, and cost-effectiveness. The selection of relevant performance indicators, evaluation of alternative ORC configurations and working fluids, and optimization of the solar multiple and thermal storage capacity are included among the criteria for conducting the parametric investigation. Based on the investigation, it has been determined that the ORC configuration, which includes a recuperator and utilizes cyclohexane as the working fluid, demonstrates the most favorable design. This configuration offers enhanced efficiency and improved performance. Additionally, it is determined that a solar multiple value of 1.7 and the integration of a 12-hour thermal energy storage system are optimal. This led to a 4-5 hour increase in the availability of daily power generation, thereby improving the reliability and flexibility of the CSP plant. The incorporation of fossil fuels into the hybrid CSP-Fossil plant results in a notable enhancement of the Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF). This improvement guarantees uninterrupted energy generation even when solar resources are limited. The implications of the findings are significant for the future development of CSP systems. These findings provide valuable insights into enhancing energy efficiency and tackling sustainability challenges.