Integrated Solar Combined Cycle Research Articles

A Comprehensive analysis of energy, exergy, economic and environment on integrated solarcombined cycle with various HTFs and thermal storage

Energy and exergy analysis are considered as important tools for the thermodynamic assessment of any power plant. The utilization of solar energy in electricity generation is progressively increasing day by day due to various issues associated with conventional power plants. In recent times, solar systems in integration with conventional power plants have emerged as popular and optimal solution. The current integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) involves integrating a 15 MW linear Fresnel reflector with the existing 328.10 MW combined cycle power plant situated in North India. The proposed study examined the thermodynamic performance (energy and exergy) of ISCC and cascade thermal storage. The exergy loss in solar system, combined cycle, and thermal storage is quantified, followed by a comparative analysis of the impact of integrating the solar system and thermal storage on the exergy loss within the combined cycle plant. The results indicate that the collector-receiver experience the highest exergy loss at 69.41%, which is further reduced by 1.82% and 3.39% by employing therminol oil and molten salt, respectively, in thermal storage within the solar system. Additionally, integration of solar system & thermal storage with conventional system showed improvement in second law efficiency. The overall exegetic efficiency of the power system is improved by 1.38% and 3.12% utilizing molten salt as HTF with two-tank system and cascade TES respectively. CO2 emissions are reduced by 97,020 tons per annum with molten salt, which serves as a superior HTF compared to water. Cascade TES systems reduce a greater amount of CO2 emissions compared to two-tank TES systems, amounting to 172,260 tons per annum.

Integration of Steam Recovered from Molten Salts in a Solar Integrated Combined Cycle

In the current context of the energy transition, Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) power plants are an alternative that are able to reduce carbon emissions from combined cycle (CC) power plants. In addition, the coupling to an energy storage system based on molten salts benefits hybridization, allowing the energy surplus to be to stored to cover peaks in energy demand. Because it is a recent technology, the determination of the optimal injection points for the solar-generated steam into the combined cycle is a critical issue. In this work, a thermodynamic model of a hybrid natural gas and solar thermal CC power plant has been developed using Thermoflex to analyze the integration effects in terms of efficiency and power. For all the steam injection candidate positions, the effects of ‘power boosting’ and ‘fuel saving’ operation modes have been simulated, considering operation conditions that are compatible with the useful range of molten salts. The results show that injection of steam at the high-pressure line before the steam turbine increases the cycle’s gross efficiency with respect to the reference case, estimating a reduction of carbon emissions of 6696 kg/h in the ‘fuel saving’ mode and an increase in gross power of 14.4 MW in the ‘power boosting’ mode. Hence, adapting current combined cycles for hybridization with solar power is a viable solution in the transition period towards more sustainable energy sources.

The Integration of Renewable Energy into a Fossil Fuel Power Generation System in Oil-Producing Countries: A Case Study of an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle at the Sarir Power Plant

Libya is facing a serious challenge in its sustainable development because of its complete dependence on traditional fuels in meeting its growing energy demand. On the other hand, more intensive energy utilization accommodating multiple energy resources, including renewables, has gained considerable attention. This article is motivated by the obvious need for research on this topic due to the shortage of applications concerning the prospects of the hybridization of energy systems for electric power generation in Libya. The 283 MW single-cycle gas turbine operating at the Sarir power plant located in the Libyan desert is considered a case study for a proposed Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) system. By utilizing the common infrastructure of a gas-fired power plant and concentrating solar power (CSP) technology, a triple hybrid system is modeled using the EES programming tool. The triple hybrid system consists of (i) a closed Brayton cycle (BC), (ii) a Rankine cycle (RC), which uses heat derived from a parabolic collector field in addition to the waste heat of the BC, and (iii) an organic Rankine cycle (ORC), which is involved in recovering waste heat from the RC. A thermodynamic analysis of the developed triple combined power plant shows that the global power output ranges between 416 MW (in December) and a maximum of 452.9 MW, which was obtained in July. The highest overall system efficiency of 44.3% was achieved in December at a pressure ratio of 12 and 20% of steam fraction in the RC. The monthly capital investment cost for the ISCC facility varies between 52.59 USD/MWh and 58.19 USD/MWh. From an environmental perspective, the ISCC facility can achieve a carbon footprint of up to 319 kg/MWh on a monthly basis compared to 589 kg/MWh for the base BC plant, which represents a reduction of up to 46%. This study could stimulate decision makers to adopt ISCC power plants in Libya and in other developing oil-producing countries.

Performance optimization of an integrated solar combined cycle for the cogeneration of electricity and fresh water

Many Arabic countries suffer water scarcity while having an energy surplus. The present work investigates and optimizes a proposed plant for the cogeneration of electricity and fresh water. This plant comprises an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) power plant and a Multi Stage Flash (MSF) desalination unit. The steam condenser of the ISCC acts as a brine heater of the MSF desalination unit. Thus, the waste thermal energy from the ISCC is used to desalinate the seawater. The proposed cycle produces fresh water during its part load operating conditions. Simulation programs were developed and validated using real data from the ISCC power plant in Kuraymat-Egypt. The present results show that the proposed plant is very promising for the cogeneration of electricity and fresh water. An optimum top brine temperature (To) of 80 °C was estimated based on the amount of fuel required to desalinate the seawater. The proposed plant produces up to 1140 m3/h of fresh water under the typical operating conditions of Hurghada-Egypt, 50 % of the rated output power, and To = 80 °C. It saves up to 84.7 % of the fuel required for desalination compared to a standalone MSF desalination unit that operates under the same conditions.

Prediction of latent heat storage transient thermal performance for integrated solar combined cycle using machine learning techniques

The objective of this work is to develop a prediction methodology for latent heat storage thermal performance to reduce computational efforts. Thermal storage can effectively compensate for the limitations of solar energy by extending operation time and leveling fluctuations. Although latent heat storage is advantageous compared to sensible heat storage for its large energy density and stable output temperature, its thermal performance has strong nonlinearity. With the conventional numerical simulations, it takes large computational time to obtain the one year or longer thermal performance of the latent heat storage. In this study, the exit steam enthalpy of latent heat storage for an integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) is predicted using machine learning techniques. As latent heat storage is used to store solar thermal energy, the inlet steam properties such as enthalpy, pressure, and flow rate are continuously altered. Heat charged-discharged history in the regression model inputs significantly improves the prediction accuracy. The regression models are trained with transient heat transfer analysis results based on meteorological data of Bawean Island, Indonesia. Seven regression algorithms (Gaussian process regression (GPR), kernel approximation, ensemble of trees, support vector machines (SVM), artificial neural networks (ANN), linear regression, and regression trees) are compared and GPR is selected for its root mean square error (RMSE) of 16.9 kJ/kg or less. The RMSE values are equivalent to Bawean results even when the GPR is applied to two other locations: Kupang and Cikarang. Meanwhile, an ensemble classifier, which is selected from nine classification algorithms (Ensemble classifiers, ANN, SVM, decision trees, nearest neighbor classifiers, naive bayes classifiers, kernel approximation classifiers, discriminant analysis, and logistic regression classifiers), is used to determine when to terminate the latent heat storage operation. Owing to its short calculation time, the developed methodology is advantageous at the early design stages of latent heat storage, especially when multiple locations need to be compared.

Design and Performance Analysis of a Novel Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) with a Supercritical CO2 Bottom Cycle

The integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) system is a proven solution for grid-connected power generation from solar energy. How to further improve the ISCC system efficiency and propose a more efficient system solution has become a research focus. A novel gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) benchmark system is proposed by replacing the conventional steam Rankine bottom cycle with a supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle, whose output power and efficiency are increased by 9.07 MW and 1.3%, respectively, compared to those of the conventional GTCC system. Furthermore, the novel ISCC systems are established with the parabolic trough solar collector (PTC) and the solar tower (ST) collector coupled to the novel GTCC system. Thermal performance analysis, exergy performance analysis, and the sensitivity analysis of the ISCC systems have been performed, and the results show that the system efficiencies of both ISCC systems are lower than that of the GTCC system, at 57.1% and 57.5%, respectively, but the power generation of the ISCC system with PTC is greater than that of the benchmark system, while that of the ISCC system with ST is less than that of the benchmark system. The photoelectric efficiency of the ISCC system with PTC is 27.6%, which is 2.1% greater than that of ISCC system with ST. In the ISCC system with PTC, the components with the highest exergy destruction and the lowest exergy efficiency are the combustion chamber, and PTC, respectively. ST is the component with the highest exergy destruction and the lowest exergy efficiency in the ISCC system with ST. With the increase in direct normal irradiance (DNI), the total output power, solar energy output power, and photoelectric efficiency of the ISCC system with PTC increase, while the system efficiency decreases; the solar energy output power and photoelectric efficiency of the ISCC system with ST increase, while the total output power and system efficiency decrease. The photoelectric efficiency of the ISCC system with PTC is greater when the DNI is greater than 600 W/m2; conversely, the photoelectric efficiency of the ISCC system with ST is greater. After sensitivity analysis, the optimal intercooler pressure for the ISCC system is 11.3 MPa.

Part load operation of an integrated solar combined cycle using the brine heater of a MSF desalination unit as a steam condenser

Hot-climate countries, like Egypt, have an energy surplus while suffering water scarcity. Energy surplus causes frequent part load operation of Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) power plants. The present work proposes a cycle that combines an ISCC with a Multi Stage Flash (MSF) desalination unit. The brine heater of the MSF desalination unit acts as a steam condenser for the ISCC. The condenser pressure/top brine temperature of the MSF desalination unit controls the ISCC part load operation. A simulation model for an actual ISCC in Kuryamat-Egypt was developed and validated. A validated model for the MSF unit was integrated with the developed ISCC model. The proposed cycle (ISCC-MSF) was simulated under different operating and geometric conditions. The simulation results were used to optimize the MSF desalination unit and achieve a performance ratio of 11.65 and a 7.7% reduction in the stage area. Cost analysis was performed for the unit production cost of fresh water (UPCMSF), where a reduction of UPCMSF to 0.77$/m3 was achieved. Further reduction of UPCMSF down to 0.54$/m3 can be attained by reducing the interest rate from 5% to 1%. Detailed part load performance investigation of the proposed cycle is recommended for future work.

Integration Optimization of Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) System Based on System/Solar Photoelectric Efficiency

Integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) systems play a pivotal role in the utilization of non-fossil energy; however, the efficient application of solar energy has emerged as a primary issue in the study of ISCC systems. Therefore, it is extremely urgent to propose the best optimization scheme for ISCC under different operating conditions. In this paper, according to the idea of temperature matching and cascade utilization, the optimization of the ISCC system is carried out with the genetic algorithm for the whole working conditions, and the optimization schemes with the highest photoelectric efficiency and system efficiency under different working conditions are derived. In comparison with two optimization schemes with different objective functions, the conclusion can be drawn that: At 100% gas turbine load—30% DNI and 100% gas turbine load—100% DNI working conditions, respectively, the maximum system efficiency of 56.32% and the maximum solar photoelectric efficiency of 35.5% are attained. With the decreasing of gas turbine load, the solar energy integration position will gradually change from the topping cycle to the bottom cycle; with the gas turbine load variation from 100% to 75%, the optimal photoelectric efficiency model prefers two-stage integration, and up to 141.3 MW of solar energy could be integrated, which is greater than the maximum value of 127.1 MW for the optimal system efficiency model. Regarding the heat collection choice of bottom cycle, the optimal photoelectric efficiency model prefers the high-pressure boiler (HPB), while the optimal system efficiency model prefers the high-pressure superheater (HPS). The comparison between the optimal solution and the actual cases confirms the correctness of the optimization results and provides guidance for the subsequent ISCC study.

Exergoeconomic Analysis of an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle in the Al-Qayara Power Plant in Iraq

Enhancing the sustainability and diversification of Iraq’s electricity system is a strategic objective. Achieving this goal depends critically on increasing the use of renewable energy sources (RESs). The significance of developing solar-powered technologies becomes essential at this point. Iraq, similar to other places with high average direct normal irradiation, is a good location for concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) technology. This study aims to recover the waste heat from the gas turbine cycle (GTC) in the Al-Qayara power plant in Iraq and integrate it with a solar power tower. A thermoeconomic analysis has been done to support the installation of an integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC), which uses concentrated solar tower technology. The results indicate that the examined power plant has a total capacity of 561.5 MW, of which 130.4 MW is due to the waste heat recovery of G.T.s, and 68 MW. is from CSP. Due to the waste heat recovery of GTC, the thermal and exergy efficiencies increase by 10.99 and 10.61%, respectively, and the overall unit cost of production is 11.43 USD/MWh. For ISCC, the thermal and exergy efficiencies increase by 17.96 and 17.34%, respectively, and the overall unit cost of production is 12.39 USD/MWh. The integrated solar combined cycle’s lowest monthly capacity was about 539 MW in September, while its highest monthly capacity was approximately 574.6 MW in April.

High-Efficiency Power Cycles for Particle-Based Concentrating Solar Power Plants: Thermodynamic Optimization and Critical Comparison

This paper investigates and compares several highly efficient thermodynamic cycles that are suitable for coupling with particle-in-tube fluidized-bed solar receiver technology. In such a receiver, high-temperature particles are used as both a heat transfer fluid and a storage medium. A dense particle suspension (DPS) is created through an upward bubbling fluidized-bed (UBFB) flow inside the receiver tubes, which constitutes the “particle-in-tube” solar receiver concept. Reaching higher temperatures is seen as a key factor for future cost reductions in the solar plant, as this leads to both higher power conversion efficiency and increased energy storage density. Three advanced thermodynamic cycles are analyzed in this work: the supercritical steam Rankine cycle (s-steam), supercritical carbon dioxide cycle (s-CO2) and integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC). For each one, 100% solar contribution, which is considered the total thermal input to the power cycle, can be satisfied by the solar particle receiver. The main findings show that the s-CO2 cycle is the most suitable thermodynamic cycle for the DPS solar plant, exhibiting a net cycle efficiency above 50% for a moderate temperature range (680–730 °C). For the other advanced power cycles, 45.35% net efficiency can be achieved for the s-steam case, while the efficiency of the ISCC configuration is limited to 45.23% for the solar-only operation mode.

Comparative evaluation of Integrated Solar combined cycle plant with cascade thermal storage system for different heat transfer fluids

The existing conventional combined cycle power plant(s) are generally not getting the schedules for supply of power because of the high price of Natural Gas and are forced to remain idle or to run on part load. On the other side, the focus is on the capacity addition of power generation units based on the alternate sources mainly solar to counter the ill effects on environment through fossils fuel-based plant(s). In such a scenario, the combined cycle power plant(s) with its integration with solar (ISCC) can pave the way forward to provide an optimal solution to tap most of the power generation through solar power and to ensure grid stability through utilising the installed combined cycle power plant(s) at part or full load. It will be a win-win situation for solar plants as well as combined cycle power plants. This study presents an integration of Linear Fresnel collector solar system and latent heat cascade storage system with a 328.10 MW combined cycle power plant of north India for operating it as integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC). The present work discusses the configurations of integration of solar power generation cycle with the combined cycle power generation and presents the analysis of the performance of these integration configurations including the operation of gas turbine(s) at full load or part load. A MATLAB code is used for simulation to analyse the performance of ISCC by varying direct normal irradiation at different part-load condition of gas turbine with different heat transfer fluids such as water and molten salt, then also compare the performance of latent heat cascade thermal storage system with oil & molten salt as HTF. The effect of cascade thermal storage has also been analysed on the plant performance. The efficiency of ISCC with molten salt as HTF is 50.87% which is more than with water as HTF by 1.51%. The present study also brings out the saving of the fuel to figure out the financial benefit. However, the financial model has not been developed in the present work due to the dynamics of the price of natural gas internationally. The study also presents the analysis of the enhanced fuel-saving ratio and reduced emissions.

Comparative exergoeconomic evaluation of integrated solar combined-cycle (ISCC) configurations

This paper provides an exergy, economic, and exergoeconomic comparative analysis for the three most promising solar thermal technologies of integrated solar combined-cycle systems: direct steam generation linear Fresnel collectors, solar power tower, and oil parabolic trough collectors. The exergetic analysis shows that configurations using Fresnel collectors result in the highest exergetic efficiencies (44.1%), while the configuration using a solar tower leads to the lowest efficiency of 33.2%. Integrating the solar field into the high-pressure part results in higher efficiencies for day operation. However, this limits the steam cycle to benefit from higher pressure levels, especially during night operation, as the cycle has to operate on the same design pressure level to avoid possible part-load losses. Findings of the economic analysis show that sharing the same power block of the combined-cycle plant results in a significantly lower incremental specific investment cost for concentrated solar power (2545 $/kW) that helps new installations at moderate investments, leading to steeper learning curves of the technology. Configurations using solar collectors with direct steam generation produce electricity at the lowest price of 36.75 $/MWh. The configuration using oil parabolic trough produces electricity at the highest price (38.62 $/MWh).

General performance evaluation method of integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) system

As a novel solar energy utilization method, integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) system has the advantages of low investment and high efficiency, and has been paid more and more attention. How to evaluate the effectiveness of solar energy integration in different ISCC systems has become a significant issue. In this paper, based on the second law of thermodynamics and the principle of energy cascade utilization, according to different kinds of integration methods, different kinds of basic ISCC system models are divided and established; Compared with the gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) system and solar energy generating system (SEGS), the effects caused by the integration of solar energy are revealed: the superimposed effect of the fuel saving factor and the efficiency enhancement of efficiency promotion factor are given. The comprehensive evaluation factor with simultaneous consideration of both the fuel saving factor and the efficiency promotion factor is put forward. Meanwhile, the applications of this evaluation factor in actual cases of this evaluation factor are also studied. This paper provides a novel evaluation method for comprehensively evaluate two different ISCC systems which will propose valuable guidance for further evaluation research of ISCC system.

Comprehensive evaluation of integrated solar combined cycle system regarding fuel-savability under unified framework

Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) system is considered as a promising route to efficiently utilize both solar energy and fossil fuel. However, due to the absence of a unified framework, it is difficult to fairly compare the performance between numerous proposed integration schemes. In the present work, firstly, a generalized model of ISCC system is proposed with validation, based on which the unified expression of fuel-savability is derived for performance evaluations between different integration schemes under a common framework. Secondly, the “allocation effect” expressed by the “bridging” term of the unified expression is revealed that the proportion of total input exergy allocated to the Brayton and Rankine cycles varies due to the solar integration. Thirdly, the “superposition effect” is revealed that the total system fuel-savability is comprehensively determined by the superposed sum of the “basic” term, which is the direct benefit of local solar integration, the “floating” term, which stands for the explicit influence of solar integration on each main component, and the “bridging” term, which stands for the implicit inter-cycle influence of solar integration. Fourthly, six individual cases of ISCC schemes have been evaluated by the proposed unified expression as the example of practical application. Finally, the two above-mentioned effects have been further extended to be compatible with more complicated solar-integrated multicycle-combined system and the unified expression form of fuel-savability is rationally generalized, which may provide theoretical guidance for the future research and applications.

Thermodynamic cycles for solar thermal power plants: A review

AbstractSolar thermal power plants for electricity production include, at least, two main systems: the solar field and the power block. Regarding this last one, the particular thermodynamic cycle layout and the working fluid employed, have a decisive influence in the plant performance. In turn, this selection depends on the solar technology employed. Currently, the steam Rankine cycle is the most widespread and commercially available option, usually coupled to a parabolic trough solar field. However, other configurations have been implemented in solar thermal plants worldwide. Most of them are based on other solar technologies also coupled to a steam Rankine cycle, although integrated solar combined cycles have a significant level of implementation. In the first place, power block configurations based on conventional thermodynamic cycles—Rankine, Brayton, and combined Brayton–Rankine—are described. The achievements and challenges of each proposal are highlighted, for example, the benefits involved in hybrid solar source/fossil fuel plants. In the second place, proposals of advanced power block configurations are analyzed, standing out: supercritical CO2 Brayton cycles, advanced organic Rankine cycles, and innovative integrated solar combined cycles. Each of these proposals shows some advantages compared to the conventional layouts in certain power or source temperature ranges and hence they could be considered attractive options in the medium term. At last, a brief review of proposals of solar thermal integration with other renewable heat sources is also included.This article is categorized under: Concentrating Solar Power > Systems and Infrastructure Energy Efficiency > Systems and Infrastructure Energy Research & Innovation > Systems and Infrastructure

A performance evaluation of an integrated solar combined cycle power plant with solar tower in Saudi Arabia

• A 548.4 MW Integrated solar combined cycle power plant is proposed including 50 MW from solar tower technology. • A techno-economic analysis outcomes are incorporated with the weather characteristics of Saudi Arabia. • On-the-ground measured meteorological data is adopted for accurate simulations. • The hybridized solar tower field achieved efficiency ranging between 53 and 59% annually and a capacity factor of 49.9%. • The annual generation of the solar tower field is found to be at 220.89 GWh and the levelized cost of energy 12.71 cent/kWh. Improving the diversification and sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s national electricity grid is a strategic priority. In order for this objective to come to fruition, increasing the penetration of renewable energy resources (RESs) is of paramount importance. This is where the importance of improving solar powered technologies becomes crucial. Specifically, concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) technologies have significant potential in Saudi Arabia, as well as other locations with high averages of direct normal irradiation. In this research, a techno-economic analysis has been conducted for the adoption of an integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) which utilizes solar tower (ST) technology in Saudi Arabia. The power plant under study has a total capacity of 548.4 MW, of which 50 MW is from CSP. The outputs of this model are compared with other conventional and renewable energy sources quantitively. The results show that the hybridized ST field can achieve efficiency ranging between 53 and 59% annually leading to a capacity factor of 49.9% which is higher than other RES technologies of similar intermittent nature. The solar field installed capacity represents 9.11% of the total power plant capacity, whereas its output represents up to 10.7% of the total output. The annual generation of the solar tower field is found to be at 220.89 GWh, net present value (NPV) 10.2 MSUD, and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) 12.71 cent/kWh. The results reflect that the hybridization of CSP with conventional combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) results in enhanced annual generation, lower energy cost, and facilitates the transition to stand-alone CSP. The hybridization of ST ISCC helps to steadily build up the know-how of the operation and maintenance of a technology with great potential given the weather and demand characteristics of Saudi Arabia. Results of this research can facilitate decision-making in the early stages of penetrating CSP to the electricity mix in the Saudi national grid in order to achieve the desired sustainability of energy sources.

Flexible Electricity Dispatch of an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle through Thermal Energy Storage and Hydrogen Production

In this work, the flexible operation of an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) power plant has been optimized considering two different energy storage approaches. The objective of this proposal is to meet variable users’ grid demand for an extended period at the lowest cost of electricity. Medium temperature thermal energy storage (TES) and hydrogen generation configurations have been analyzed from a techno-economic point of view. Results found from annual solar plant performance indicate that molten salts storage solution is preferable based on the lower levelized cost of electricity (0.122 USD/kWh compared to 0.158 USD/kWh from the hydrogen generation case) due to the lower conversion efficiencies of hydrogen plant components. However, the hydrogen plant configuration exceeded, in terms of plant availability and grid demand coverage, as fewer design constraints resulted in a total demand coverage of 2155 h per year. It was also found that grid demand curves from industrial countries limit the deployment of medium-temperature TES systems coupled to ISCC power plants, since their typical demand curves are characterized by lower power demand around solar noon when solar radiation is higher. In such scenarios, the Brayton turbine design is constrained by noon grid demand, which limits the solar field and receiver thermal power design.

Development and Validation of a Dynamic Simulation Model for an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle Power Plant

The combined cycle power plants are the most recognized thermal power plants for their high efficiency, fast start-up capability, and relatively low environmental impact. Moreover, their flexible unit dispatch supports the share of renewable energy, which contributes to carbon mitigation. The operational flexibility of Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) power plants is a crucial factor for reliable grid stability. To evaluate the limitations and capabilities of ISCC power plants and their control structures, dynamic simulation is a feasible method. In this study, a sophisticated dynamic process model of the ISCC power plant in Kuraymat, Egypt, has been developed using APROS software. The model describes the plant with a high level of detail including the solar field, the heat recovery steam generator, and the control structures. The model was implemented structurally identical to the reference plant and tuned using the operational design data. Actual measurements were used as the basis for the initialization and validation of the dynamic simulation environment. Dynamic analysis of four different days was performed, then the simulation results were presented and compared with actual measurements. The comparison showed that the course of the actual measurements could be predicted with high accuracy. The solar field influences and the system’s overall power curves are reliably simulated. Consequently, the validated model can simulate the dynamic behavior of the ISCC power plant with a high degree of accuracy, and can be considered in future planning decisions.

Load Flow and Transient Stability Analyses for an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle Station in Iraqi Southern by Using ETAP

Analyses of a power system are important for designing and operating phase execution monitoring and to ensure reliable grid operations by sufficient protection projects settings. In this paper, electrical model of a 340 MW integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) located in the south of Iraq, is developed by Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) and load flow, voltage stability and short circuit analyses are performed. Impact of power grid voltage instability on system buses of the power plant is estimated. Using load flow analysis that use Newton-Raphson algorithm, buses operating at under voltage due to power grid voltage instability are specified and their voltages are improved according to given voltage limitation that are based on buses criticality with regard to loads. On-load tap changers and reactive power compensation are used to improve steady state voltage stability. Optimal position for capacitor banks placement and number of capacitor banks are proposed by using optimal capacitor placement module of ETAP. The use of modern technology and advance planning have a big impact on reducing losses. The article shows that the lack of planning is one of the main causes of energy losses. The parameters of the module also indicate the voltage limits, bus voltage and ratings of available capacitor banks. The voltage limit is set at 95% ≤ V ≤ 110%, and it is global for all buses

Investigating an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle Power Plant

Using solar energy standalone to generate electricity has high investment risk. This is due to the need to energy storage systems to ensure electricity generation during the night. For this reason the hybridization of renewable energy resources and fossil fuel has been motivated. In an Integrated solar combined-cycle (ISCC) the solar thermal energy is integrated into combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of addition of solar energy to a CCGT at both design and off design conditions of solar thermal input and ambient temperature.