Modelling and simulation of a 1 MWe parabolic trough concentrator solar thermal power plant in different locations in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Solar Energy Department, National Research Centre, P.O. Box 12622, El-Buhoth St., Dokki, Cairo, Egypt

2 Mechanical Power Department, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 11371, Nasr City, Egypt

Abstract

The aim of this article is to create a simulation of the thermal performance of a solar power plant that generates electricity using a steam Rankine Cycle, with a solar parabolic trough concentrator as the primary heat source. The TRNSYS simulation Software and the TESS Library were used to carry out the simulation. The simulation software was utilized to analyze the impact of the meteorological conditions on the annual thermal and electrical energy gained for a solar power plant of 1 MWe. The solar power plant is consisting of various components, including parabolic trough concentrators (PTC), a thermal storage tank, a steam generator, an auxiliary boiler, a condenser, variable speed pumps, a steam turbine and an electric generator. The investigation focused on analyzing the temperature and energy values of the PTC, steam generator, and electric generator. This theoretical analysis was applied to three locations in Egypt, where each location has different metrological conditions. The annual DNI values are between 1800 kWh/m2 to 2500 kWh/m2, so the energy production and plant performance have been evaluated with different solar radiations on those sites. The excellent thermodynamic properties of synthetic oil make it a preferred choice as a HTF. The designed plant can generate annual thermal energy 7.50, 6.18, 5.14 GWh of with plant efficiency of 46%, 52%, and 58% for Aswan, Asyut, and Sidi-Barrani respectively. The outcomes of the PTC solar thermal power plant's performance suggest that there is scope for more progress and advancement in the development of CSP plants in Egypt.

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Egyptian Journal of Chemistry
Volume 66, Issue 13 - Serial Number 13
Special Issue: Applied Chemistry for Greener Life and Sustainability
December 2023
Pages 255-265

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History

  • Receive Date: 15 March 2023
  • Revise Date: 01 April 2023
  • Accept Date: 12 April 2023

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