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Energy cost optimization of Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) systems for different regions of installation

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  • Sirimanna, M.P.G.
  • Nixon, J.D.

Abstract

The Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) is a promising Concentrating Solar Thermal Power (CSP) technology due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. This paper presents a novel method for optimizing the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for site-specific LFR systems. The method integrates ray tracing and a thermal model with a genetic algorithm to simulate and optimize LFR designs for three different annual solar irradiance profiles. For an LFR with a standard evacuated tube receiver with a 70 mm diameter, the optimal design variables are determined to be within the ranges of 8.9–9.2 m for receiver height, 18–22 for the number of mirrors, 0.63–0.81 m for mirror width and 0.10–0.13 m for mirror spacing. The results show that the optimized LFR design variables remain relatively consistent across different locations, allowing for the efficient use of one design in multiple locations. A sensitivity analysis shows that the LCOE is predominantly affected by receiver height. Comparing the optimized designs with recent commercial LFR installations reveals that, when 6 hours of thermal energy storage is used, LCOE savings of up to 20% are still achievable. Overall, the study demonstrates that there are still substantial LFR design improvements that can be made to reduce the cost of electricity from an LFR system and make it a cost-competitive solution for clean power generation.

Suggested Citation

  • Sirimanna, M.P.G. & Nixon, J.D., 2024. "Energy cost optimization of Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) systems for different regions of installation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 306(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:306:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224018140
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.132040
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