Coupling PV and CAES power plants to transform intermittent PV electricity into a dispatchable electricity source

Mason, James; Fthenakis, Vasilis; Zweibel, K.; Hansen, T.; Nikolakakis, Thomas

doi:10.1002/pip.858

Cited by 45 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 12 publications

(17 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…On the other hand, PV is not a base-load technology, and deploying it on a large scale, beyond approximately 20% of grid penetration, may require building an extensive energy storage infrastructure (Denholm and Margolis, 2006;Lewis, 2007). To date, compressed air energy storage (CAES) is the least expensive large-scale option, but finding appropriate porous media underground reservoirs is a challenge and a conventional CAES plant requires approximately 3.5 MJ/kWh of additional natural gas to heat the compressed air when the latter is released to run a gas turbine (Mason et al, 2008). Advanced adiabatic CAES (AA-CAES) might become viable in the future, with an anticipated 50% cycle efficiency (Pickard et al, 2009); flexible fabric structures anchored to the seabed are also being investigated for their potential to be a clean, economicallyattractive means of energy storage (Pimm and Garvey, 2009).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The energy return on energy investment (EROI) of photovoltaics: Methodology and comparisons with fossil fuel life cycles

2012

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract:A high energy return on energy investment (EROI) of an energy production process is crucial to its long-term viability. The EROI of conventional thermal electricity from fossil fuels has been viewed as being much higher than those of renewable energy life-cycles, and specifically of photovoltaics (PVs). We show that this is largely a misconception fostered by the use of outdated data and, often, a lack of consistency among calculation methods. We hereby present a thorough review of the methodology, discuss methodological variations and present updated EROI values for a range of modern PV systems, in comparison to conventional fossil-fuel based electricity life-cycles.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The energy return on energy investment (EROI) of photovoltaics: Methodology and comparisons with fossil fuel life cycles

2012

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…This would drastically increase the threshold of economic PV integration on a substantial higher level. There are several studies outlining technologically and economically feasible pathways for a PV share in local, nationwide, continental, and even global electricity systems of 25% up to 100% .…”

Section: Key Driving Forces Of Grid‐parity Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Global overview on grid‐parity

Breyer

Gerlach

2012

Progress in Photovoltaics

305

148

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Grid-parity is a very important milestone for further photovoltaic (PV) diffusion. A grid-parity model is presented, which is based on levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) coupled with the experience curve approach. Relevant assumptions for the model are given, and its key driving forces are discussed in detail. Results of the analysis are shown for more than 150 countries and a total of 305 market segments all over the world, representing 98.0% of world population and 99.7% of global gross domestic product. High PV industry growth rates enable a fast reduction of LCOE. Depletion of fossil fuel resources and climate change mitigation forces societies to internalize these effects and pave the way for sustainable energy technologies. First grid-parity events occur right now. The 2010s are characterized by ongoing grid-parity events throughout the most regions in the world, reaching an addressable market of about 75-90% of total global electricity market. In consequence, new political frameworks for maximizing social benefits will be required. In parallel, PV industry tackle its next milestone, fuel-parity. In conclusion, PV is on the pathway to become a highly competitive energy technology.

show abstract

“…The latter is mostly limited to electric storage similar to what is currently used in consumer electronics and automotive sectors. It is also possible to store PV electricity in other energy forms such as pumped hydro, hydrogen, and compressed air 18–20. Pumped hydro and compressed air energy storage (CAES) provide the cheapest storage options for utility scale power plants, although their suitability depends on other parameters.…”

Section: Approachmentioning

confidence: 99%

Solar based large scale power plants: what is the best option?

Bensebaa¹

2011

Progress in Photovoltaics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

There are very few published data comparing performance and cost of thermal and photovoltaic (PV) based solar power generations. With recent intense technology and business developments there is a need to establish a comparison between these two solar energy options. We have developed a simple model to compare electricity cost using these two options without any additional fuel source of hybridization. Capital along with operation and maintenance (O&M) costs and other parameters from existing large scale solar farms are used to reflect actual project costs. To compete with traditional sources of power generation, solar technologies need to provide dispatchable electric power to respond to demand during peak hours. Different solutions for energy storage are available. In spite of their high capital cost, adding energy storage is considered a better long term solution than hybrid solar systems for large scale power plants. For this reason, a comparison between the two solar options is also provided that include energy storage. Although electricity storage is more expensive than thermal storage, PV power remains a competitive option. Expenses related to O&M in solar thermal plant are about ten times higher than PV, an important factor resulting in higher energy cost. Based on data from proven commercial technologies, this study showed that PV holds a slight advantage even when energy storage is included. Copyright © 2010 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

show abstract

Coupling PV and CAES power plants to transform intermittent PV electricity into a dispatchable electricity source

Cited by 45 publications

References 12 publications

The energy return on energy investment (EROI) of photovoltaics: Methodology and comparisons with fossil fuel life cycles

The energy return on energy investment (EROI) of photovoltaics: Methodology and comparisons with fossil fuel life cycles

Global overview on grid‐parity

Solar based large scale power plants: what is the best option?

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About