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Techno-Economic Assessment of Molten Salt-Based Concentrated Solar Power: Case Study of Linear Fresnel Reflector with a Fossil Fuel Backup under Saudi Arabia’s Climate Conditions

Author

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  • Ahmed Aljudaya

    (Energy 2050, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7RD, UK
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Najran University, King Abdulaziz Road, Najran P.O. Box 1988, Saudi Arabia)

  • Stavros Michailos

    (School of Engineering, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK)

  • Derek B. Ingham

    (Energy 2050, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7RD, UK)

  • Kevin J. Hughes

    (Energy 2050, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7RD, UK)

  • Lin Ma

    (Energy 2050, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7RD, UK)

  • Mohamed Pourkashanian

    (Energy 2050, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7RD, UK
    Energy 2050, Translational Energy Research Centre (TERC), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7RD, UK)

Abstract

Concentrated solar power (CSP) has gained traction for generating electricity at high capacity and meeting base-load energy demands in the energy mix market in a cost-effective manner. The linear Fresnel reflector (LFR) is valued for its cost-effectiveness, reduced capital and operational expenses, and limited land impact compared to alternatives such as the parabolic trough collector (PTC). To this end, the aim of this study is to optimize the operational parameters, such as the solar multiple (SM), thermal energy storage (TES), and fossil fuel (FF) backup system, in LFR power plants using molten salt as a heat transfer fluid (HTF). A 50 MW LFR power plant in Duba, Saudi Arabia, serves as a case study, with a Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) above 2500 kWh/m 2 . About 600 SM-TES configurations are analyzed with the aim of minimizing the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The analysis shows that a solar-only plant can achieve a low LCOE of 11.92 ¢/kWh with a capacity factor (CF) up to 36%, generating around 131 GWh/y. By utilizing a TES system, the SM of 3.5 and a 15 h duration TES provides the optimum integration by increasing the annual energy generation (AEG) to 337 GWh, lowering the LCOE to 9.24 ¢/kWh, and boosting the CF to 86%. The techno-economic optimization reveals the superiority of the LFR with substantial TES over solar-only systems, exhibiting a 300% increase in annual energy output and a 20% reduction in LCOE. Additionally, employing the FF backup system at 64% of the turbine’s rated capacity boosts AEG by 17%, accompanied by a 5% LCOE reduction. However, this enhancement comes with a trade-off, involving burning a substantial amount of natural gas (503,429 MMBtu), leading to greenhouse gas emissions totaling 14,185 tonnes CO₂ eq. This comprehensive analysis is a first-of-a-kind study and provides insights into the optimal designs of LFR power plants and addresses thermal, economic, and environmental considerations of utilizing molten salt with a large TES system as well as employing natural gas backup. The outcomes of the research address a wide audience including academics, operators, and policy makers.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmed Aljudaya & Stavros Michailos & Derek B. Ingham & Kevin J. Hughes & Lin Ma & Mohamed Pourkashanian, 2024. "Techno-Economic Assessment of Molten Salt-Based Concentrated Solar Power: Case Study of Linear Fresnel Reflector with a Fossil Fuel Backup under Saudi Arabia’s Climate Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-29, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:11:p:2719-:d:1407931
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Montes, María J. & Rubbia, Carlo & Abbas, Rubén & Martínez-Val, José M., 2014. "A comparative analysis of configurations of linear Fresnel collectors for concentrating solar power," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 192-203.
    2. Alshammari, Yousef M., 2021. "Scenario analysis for energy transition in the chemical industry: An industrial case study in Saudi Arabia," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    3. Vignarooban, K. & Xu, Xinhai & Arvay, A. & Hsu, K. & Kannan, A.M., 2015. "Heat transfer fluids for concentrating solar power systems – A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 383-396.
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