Optimal Design of Integrated Solar Power Plants Accounting for the Thermal Storage System and CO₂ Mitigation through an Algae System

Abstract

Electricity generation through the burning of fossil fuels is one of the main contributors to the climate change problem. The use of renewable energy sources is a promising strategy to help mitigate this problem. This paper considers two forms of renewable energy: solar and biomass (algae) for power generation. The paper also accounts for the thermal storage of solar energy. A multiobjective optimization formulation is developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cost in the electricity generation process. The model is based on a new superstructure that incorporates various design configurations and screens different thermal storage systems. A case study is presented to show the applicability of the proposed approach and how the economic and environmental objectives can be reconciled.

Analysis of Carbon Policies in the Optimal Integration of Power Plants Involving Chemical Looping Combustion with Algal Cultivation Systems

“…After capture of CO 2 , its utilization is desirable. There are various methods to mitigate and harness this gas; however, the use by means of an algal system has gained attention recently because of its numerous benefits. − The algae cultivation system is intrinsically efficient and sustainable since it only requires carbon, nutrients, room temperature and sunlight. The main product of the cultivation is biomass, which can be processed to produce biofuels and other valuable byproducts such as glycerol, ethanol and proteins. , Other bioproducts (hydrogen, propylene glycol, glycerol-tert-butyl ether, and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate) can be generated by modifying the design and synthesis of the manufacturing algal processes. − The microalgae systems have a high CO 2 capture potential, the gas can be delivered from a flue gas stream or from a pure CO 2 stream.…”