Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems utilize solar thermal energy for the generation of electric power. This attribute makes it relatively easy to integrate CSP systems with fossil-fired power plants. The “solar-augment” of fossil power plants offers a lower cost and lower risk alternative to stand-alone solar plant construction. This study ranked the potential to add solar thermal energy to coal-fired and natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) plants found throughout 16 states in the southeast and southwest United States. Each generating unit was ranked in six categories to create an overall score ranging from Excellent to Not Considered. Separate analysis was performed for parabolic trough and power tower technologies due to the difference in the steam temperatures that each can generate. The study found a potential for over 11 GWe of parabolic trough and over 21 GWe of power tower capacity. Power towers offer more capacity and higher quality integration due to the greater steam temperatures that can be achieved. The best sites were in the sunny southwest, but all states had at least one site that ranked Good for augmentation. Geographic depiction of the results can be accessed via NREL’s Solar Power Prospector at http://maps.nrel.gov/.
Skip Nav Destination
ASME 2011 5th International Conference on Energy Sustainability
August 7–10, 2011
Washington, DC, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Advanced Energy Systems Division and Solar Energy Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-5468-6
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Solar-Augment Potential of U.S. Fossil-Fired Power Plants
Craig S. Turchi,
Craig S. Turchi
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO
Search for other works by this author on:
Nicholas Langle,
Nicholas Langle
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO
Search for other works by this author on:
Robin Bedilion,
Robin Bedilion
Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA
Search for other works by this author on:
Cara Libby
Cara Libby
Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA
Search for other works by this author on:
Craig S. Turchi
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO
Nicholas Langle
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO
Robin Bedilion
Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA
Cara Libby
Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA
Paper No:
ES2011-54358, pp. 641-651; 11 pages
Published Online:
March 13, 2012
Citation
Turchi, CS, Langle, N, Bedilion, R, & Libby, C. "Solar-Augment Potential of U.S. Fossil-Fired Power Plants." Proceedings of the ASME 2011 5th International Conference on Energy Sustainability. ASME 2011 5th International Conference on Energy Sustainability, Parts A, B, and C. Washington, DC, USA. August 7–10, 2011. pp. 641-651. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/ES2011-54358
Download citation file:
1
Views
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Articles
A Message From the Guest Editors
J. Sol. Energy Eng (February,2008)
Assessment of SEGS-Like Power Plants for the Brazilian Northeast Region
J. Sol. Energy Eng (February,2008)
Analysis of Solar-Thermal Power Plants With Thermal Energy Storage and Solar-Hybrid Operation Strategy
J. Sol. Energy Eng (August,2011)
Related Chapters
Combined Cycle Power Plant
Energy and Power Generation Handbook: Established and Emerging Technologies
Conclusions
Clean and Efficient Coal-Fired Power Plants: Development Toward Advanced Technologies
Energy Options and Terms: An Introduction
Energy Supply and Pipeline Transportation: Challenges & Opportunities