Cost Analysis of a Large Solar Plant with Parabolic Trough Concentrators Using Molten Salt Storage Tank

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Mechanical Power Dept., Faculty of Engineering, Mattaria, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt

2 College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 5555, Saudi Arabia

3 High Institute of Engineering, Elshorouk Academy, Cairo, Egypt

4 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Benha Faculty of Engineering, Benha University, Benha, Egypt

Abstract

Thermal storage tank is a standout amongst the most encouraging methods in solar thermal power stations operation. Accurate selection of appropriate storage system is a significant parameter to ensure the continuous working of thermal solar station during the absence of the sun. This work describes financial analysis of different locations of a 500MW Solar Plant in Egypt and also thermal tank design. The selected three locations which are investigated in this study are Aswan, EL-Arish and Hurghada to build this challenged size solar station. These locations cover the tree levels of the solar intensity in Egypt. This study is achieved by System Advisor Model (SAM) as financial analysis simulation tool. All the solar thermal power plants are working twenty-four hours per day and with sixteen full load hours of thermal energy storage (TES). Parametric design and cost analysis for each location, comparison between these locations are introduced to select the optimum location for 500MW solar power plant. The results of this study is considered a good orientation for feasibility study for CPS (concentrators parabolic system) projects, and it is needed in all over the world in particular, in Egypt for future to produce clean energy.

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References

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History

  • Receive Date: 20 July 2020
  • Revise Date: 08 October 2020
  • Accept Date: 05 January 2021
  • First Publish Date: 05 January 2021

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