Simulation of 1 MWe hybrid solar power plant by the use of nano-fluid with eccentric backup system

Abstract

Abstract In past years, concentrated solar power (CSP) with an energy backup system has been a unique renewable energy utilization system among intermittent renewable energy systems. It could allow a CSP plant to operate as a base load system in the future. This paper simulates a solar power plant for 1 MWe. Parabolic trough collector (PTC) array and linear Fresnel reflector (LFR) field attached consecutively to produce superheated steam at 40 MPa. The Rankine cycle has been used to run the steam turbine and an electricity generator is attached to a steam turbine to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Maximum temperature attained at the turbine inlet is 418.13 ˚C in 12:00–13:00 time slot in the month of January. Results show that solar power plant is feasible to produce 1 MWe. The minimum value of the power produced by the generator is 1.01 MWe in November in the 10:00–11:00 time slot whereas the maximum value of generated power is 1.57 MWe in December in the 11:00–12:00 time slot. The overall efficiency of power generated by the Rankine cycle is 21.25% in January in the 10:00–11:00 time slot. An energy storage system is attached to the system to work at night hours or in cloudy weather conditions.

Keywords

• Solar power plant
• Parabolic trough collector
• Linear Fresnel reflector
• Nanofluid
• Steam turbine