Optimization of an atmospheric air volumetric central receiver system: Impact of solar multiple, storage capacity and control strategy

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Bruno Coelho (Author) Other; Szabolcs Varga (Author) FEUP; Armando Oliveira (Author) FEUP; Adélio Mendes (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Renewable Energy

Vol. 63

Pages: 392-401

ISSN: 0960-1481

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 20 Citations

Scopus - 23 Citations

INSPEC

Associated Projects

UI0511 - PROJECTO ESTRATÉGICO - UI 511 - 2013-2014

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-FGZ

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2013.09.026

Abstract (EN): Portugal has a high potential for concentrated solar power and namely for atmospheric air volumetric central receiver systems (CRS). The solar multiple and storage capacity have a significant impact on the power plant levelized electricity cost (LEC) and their optimization and adequate control strategy can save significant capital for the investors. The optimized proposed volumetric central receiver system showed good performance and economical indicators. For Faro conditions, the best 4 MWe power plant configuration was obtained for a 1.25 solar multiple and a 2 h storage. Applying control strategy #1 (CS#1) the power plant LEC is 0.234 (sic)/kWh with a capital investment (CAPEX) of (sic) 22.3 million. The capital invested has an internal rate of return (IRR) of 9.8%, with a payback time of 14 years and a net present value (NPV) of (sic) 7.9 million (considering an average annual inflation of 4%). In the case of better economical indicators, the power plant investment can have positive contours, with an NPV close to (sic) 13 million (annual average inflation of 2%) and the payback shortened to 13 years.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10