Thermodynamic and Economic Assessment of Solar Thermal Power Plants for Cameroon

Abstract

Abstract In this study, it is aimed to conduct the thermodynamic and economic analysis of solar thermal power plants using parabolic trough collectors (PTC), linear Fresnel reflectors (LFR), and solar tower (ST) technologies for Cameroon. The analysis is performed for each power plant with the installed capacity of 5 MWe. Initial investment costs for the solar thermal power plants using PTC, LFR, and ST technologies are estimated to be 33.49 Million USD, 18.77 Million USD, and 36.31 Million USD, while levelized costs of electricity (LCOE) are found to be varying from 145.6 USD/MWh to 186.8 USD/MWh, 112.2 USD/MWh to 154.2 USD/MWh, and 179.2 USD/MWh to 220.4 USD/MWh, respectively. For the solar thermal power plants using PTC, LFR, and ST technologies, payback periods are obtained to be 6.57 years, 6.84 years, and 6.02 years, and also, internal rates on the return are calculated to be 21.03%, 20.42%, and 22.47%, respectively. Overall energy and exergy efficiency values are found to be 13.39% and 14.37%; 11.90% and 13.74%; 12.13% and 13.64% for the solar thermal power plants using PTC, LFR, and ST technologies, respectively. In conclusion, it is seen that LFR technology presents the best performance with the combination of thermodynamic and economic metrics for the deployment of solar thermal power plants in the countries in sub-Saharan Africa like Cameroon.