On the technical and economic feasibility of a solar thermodynamic power plant in an area of medium–high direct sunlight intensity: an actual case study

Abstract

In this paper, we present an analysis of the convenience of setting up a 1 MW solar thermodynamic power plant made with Fresnel linear mirrors in a medium-high direct sunlight intensity area. After a brief review on the state of the concentrated solar power technology and an analysis of the projections for the future development of this technology, we introduce a case study based on realistic assumptions for plant characteristics, capital costs and financial conditions. After introducing a simple and comprehensive economic model, we report the results in terms of discounted payback period, net present value, and internal rate of return. Finally, to generalize the results, we introduce a sensitivity analysis with respect to the different variables involved that could positively or negatively affect the economic results.

Performance optimization of low-temperature geothermal organic Rankine cycles using axial turbine isentropic efficiency correlation

“…Low-temperature heat resources such as geothermal heat [1], solar energy [2] and industrial waste heat in the temperature range of 373.15-423.15 K show a very large potential for the huge amount of energy available. One of disadvantages for utilizing geothermal heat resources is the lower heat-to-electricity conversion efficiency compared with the conventional steam power generation, due to the lower temperature available.…”

Thermodynamic Analysis of a Solar Combined Ejector Absorption Cooling System

“…The mathematical model of the cycle is based on mass and energy balances written for each machine element. For a steady state process and neglecting kinetic and potential Journal of Engineering 5 energy variations, balance equations for global mass (equation (6)), salt mass (equation 7), and energy (equation 8) write, respectively, ∑̇= ∑̇ (6) ∑̇= ∑̇ 7∑̇− ∑̇= ∑̇ℎ − ∑̇ℎ (8) anḋare heat and transfer rates between machine element and its surroundings. The cycle of the absorption system is expressed as…”

“…Solar energy applications and practices are investigated for different domains [1] such as pyrolysis [2], refrigeration and cooling [3], power generation [4], drying and various other industrial uses [5,6]. In view of the increased interest in high temperature solar applications, many studies focus on the amelioration of collector configurations and concentrator techniques in order to improve their optical efficiency and the heat transfer characteristics of the absorber by using for instance nanofluids as a heat transfer fluids [7].…”