Numerical simulation of a hybrid concentrated solar power/biomass mini power plant

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017-01-15

Authors

João Soares (Author) FEUP; Armando C. Oliveira (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Applied Thermal Engineering

Vol. 111

Pages: 1378-1386

ISSN: 1359-4311

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 37 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 41 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences

FOS: Engineering and technology

Associated Projects

REELCOOP - Research Cooperation in Renewable Energy Technologies for Electricity Generation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-DGC

DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2016.06.180

Abstract (EN): Renewable energy sources such as solar energy are characterised by a high degree of intermittence, sometimes leading to inability to meet the demand of a power system. Hybridisation with more stable renewable sources, such as biomass, represents a resourceful way of meeting energy demands uninterruptedly. In this paper, a hybrid renewable electricity generation system is presented and modelled. The system relies on a combination of concentrating solar energy and biomass sources to drive an Organic Rankine Cycle. The solar field is constituted by parabolic trough collectors, and a biogas boiler is used as backup energy. The system was designed and a prototype will be installed in Tunis, in the framework of the REELCOOP project, co-funded by the EU. A computer model was developed with a combination of EBSILON and EES. Annual simulations were carried out for solar-only and hybrid modes. The system annual yield is significantly improved with hybridisation, increasing from 3.4 to 9.6%, with enhancement of SF and ORC efficiencies. Electrical generation stabilisation was achieved during the whole year with the fulfilment of ORC minimum requirements, contrarily to 1420 generation hours per year if the system relies solely on solar energy. On the other hand, hybridisation promoted energy excess mostly in the summer months, demonstrating that hybridisation significantly reduces, although not eradicating, the need for storage.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9