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An optimization model for sizing a concentrated solar power system with thermal energy storage

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Abstract

This paper aims to develop a mixed integer linear programming model for optimal sizing of a concentrated solar power system with thermal energy storage. A case study is provided to demonstrate the utility and practicality of the developed model based on a residential area in Saudi Arabia. The optimal configuration comprises a solar field area of 146,013 square meters which will generate energy at 0.115 $/kWh. The renewable system demonstrates significant environmental benefits by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 96% compared to the grid. The obtained results of the proposed system are validated by benchmarking against other systems in the literature. This research contributes to the field by providing a methodological approach for optimal sizing of renewable energy systems, addressing the critical issues of environmental impact and natural resources depletion.

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Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Abbreviations

\(P\left(t\right)\) :

Hourly power generated by the receiver of a parabolic trough system

\({\eta }_{SF}\) :

Efficiency of solar field

\(DNI\left(t\right)\) :

Hourly direct normal irradiation

\({A}_{SF}\) :

Solar field aperture area

\({Q}_{u}\left(t\right)\) :

Net useful energy

\({\eta }_{REC}\) :

Energy losses from solar field receivers, thermal heat fluid piping circuit, and thermal energy storage system

\({\eta }_{THF}\) :

Energy losses from solar field receivers, thermal heat fluid piping circuit, and thermal energy storage system

\({\eta }_{TES}\) :

Energy losses from solar field receivers, thermal heat fluid piping circuit, and thermal energy storage system

\({E}_{CSP}\left(t\right)\) :

Hourly useful energy produced by the concentrating solar power system,

\({\eta }_{PB}\) :

Power block efficiency

LPSP :

Loss of Power Supply Probability

\({\eta }_{par}\) :

Parasitic consumption efficiency

\({\eta }_{AC}\) :

Losses during the electric conversion

\(CF\) :

Capacity factor

\({C}_{csp}\) :

Concentrating solar power plant capacity

T :

Number of hours in years

SM :

Solar multiple

CRF :

Capital recovery factor

n :

Project lifetime and i is the annual real interest rate

MILP :

Mixed integer linear programming

\({E}_{acc}\left(t\right)\) :

Hourly accumulated energy in the thermal energy storage

\(\varepsilon\) :

Maximum allowable value for loss of power supply probability

\({A}_{AV}\) :

Area of the land available excluding the areas for piping, thermal energy storage, and power blocks

\({E}_{ch}\left(t\right)\) :

Energy excess stored to the thermal energy storage during hours of high DNI

M :

Big number

z :

Binary variable for thermal energy storage charging and discharging

\({E}_{dis}\left(t\right)\) :

Thermal energy storage system is discharging energy that is equal to shortage

IC :

Capital cost of concentrated solar power system components

\(MC\) :

Annual operation and maintenance costs of the system

\(RC\) :

System replacement cost

\(SV\) :

System salvage value

\({o\&m}_{sf}\) :

Annual operation and maintenance cost of the solar field in ($/m2)

\({o\&m}_{HTS}\) :

Annual operation and maintenance cost of heat transfer system in ($/m2)

\({o\&m}_{TES}\) :

Annual operation and maintenance cost of thermal energy storage system in ($/m2)

\({o\&m}_{PB}\) :

Annual operation and maintenance cost of the power block in ($/kW)

\({IC}_{sf}\) :

Initial investment cost including owner cost, indirect cost, and the purchasing cost of solar field in ($/m2)

\({IC}_{HTS}\) :

Capital cost of the heat transfer system that represents the fluid cycle in ($/m2)

\({IC}_{TES}\) :

Capital cost of thermal energy storage system in ($/m2)

\({IC}_{PB}\) :

Capital cost of the power block in ($/kW)

\({E}_{L}\left(t\right)\) :

Hourly energy load requirement

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Acknowledgements

The authors express their gratitude to the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) for supporting this study.

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  1. Architectural Engineering and Construction Management Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

    Ahmed M. Ghaithan

  2. Center for Smart Mobility and Logistics, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia

    Ahmed M. Ghaithan

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Ghaithan, A.M. An optimization model for sizing a concentrated solar power system with thermal energy storage. Energy Syst (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12667-024-00659-7

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