Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) metric to characterize solar absorber coatings for the CSP industry

Abstract

a b s t r a c tThe contribution of each component of a power generation plant to the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) can be estimated and used to increase the power output while reducing system operation and maintenance costs. The LCOE is used in order to quantify solar receiver coating influence on the LCOE of solar power towers. Two new parameters are introduced: the absolute levelized cost of coating (LCOC) and the LCOC efficiency. Depending on the material properties, aging, costs, and temperature, the absolute LCOC enables quantifying the cost-effectiveness of absorber coatings, as well as finding optimal operating conditions. The absolute LCOC is investigated for different hypothetic coatings and is demonstrated on Pyromark 2500 paint. Results show that absorber coatings yield lower LCOE values in most cases, even at significant costs. Optimal reapplication intervals range from one to five years. At receiver temperatures greater than 700 C, non-selective coatings are not always worthwhile while durable selective coatings consistently reduce the LCOEdup to 12% of the value obtained for an uncoated receiver. The absolute LCOC is a powerful tool to characterize and compare different coatings, not only considering their initial efficiencies but also including their durability.Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Durability of solar absorber coatings and their cost-effectiveness

“…They all mention the need for more life-cycle and systems oriented metrics. The LCOE is a well-known parameter whose usefulness and limitations were discussed previously [4]. It accounts for the total cost of a plant over the total electrical energy output.…”

“…The (ΔLCOE) c numerical expression (equivalent to the previously introduced absolute LCOC) is discussed in more detail in [4]. Table 1 shows the model input parameters organized in three different sets of data: the power plant, receiver, and material data.…”

“…The model presented here was built upon the LCOC to develop a parameter based on the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). It was shown to identify potential cost savings due to cost-effective components [4]. Two parameters were introduced: the "LCOE gain" due to the coating or (ΔLCOE) c , and the LCOE gain efficiency, or η (ΔLCOE)c. .…”

“…Third, (ΔLCOE) c and η (ΔLCOE)c are calculated and analyzed for each coating. A sensitivity study that was initiated in [4] is carried on in order to understand what parameters are the most impactful on the defined cost-effectiveness. Finally, the developed metrics are valuable indicators to the CSP industry for which cost-effectiveness and optimal maintenance scheduling are key issues.…”

A review of the application performances of concentrated solar power systems

“…et al[123] focused on the corrosion in turbine components at high temperatures, and Ahmad and MacDiarmmid[124] referred to steel corrosion inhibition with different polymers.Long-term feasibility was considered for condition monitoring by Boubault et al[125], employing a formula for the levelized cost of energy (LCOE, [$/MWh]). The formula divides the sum of the costs of a component by the energy produced and compares coatings depending on a set of characteristics.The study shows graphics with LCOEs depending on variables such as reapplication interval, initial costs, temperature or cost reduction.…”