In order to maintain viability as a future power-generating technology, concentrating solar power (CSP) must reduce its levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The cost of CSP is assessed with the System Advisor Model (SAM) from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The performance of an integrally geared compressor-expander recuperated recompression cycle with supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) as the working fluid is modeled. A comparison of the cycle model to the integrated SAM cycle performance is made. The cycle model incorporates innovative cycle control methods to improve the range of efficiency, including inventory control. The SAM model is modified to accommodate the predicted cycle performance. The ultimate goal of minimizing the LCOE is targeted through multiple approaches, including the cost of the power block, the impact of system scale, the sizing of the thermal system relative to the power block system, the operating approach for changes in ambient temperature and availability of sunlight. Through reduced power block cost and a detailed cycle model, the LCOE is modeled to be 5.98 ȼ/kWh, achieving targeted techno-economic performance. The LCOE of the CSP system is compared to the cost of hybrid solar and fossil-fired systems. An analysis is made on the efficacy of a fossil backup system with CSP and how that relates to potential future costs of carbon dioxide emissions.
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ASME Turbo Expo 2017: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition
June 26–30, 2017
Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- International Gas Turbine Institute
ISBN:
978-0-7918-5096-1
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Lowering the Levelized Cost of Electricity of a Concentrating Solar Power Tower With a Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Power Cycle
Joshua Schmitt,
Joshua Schmitt
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
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Jason Wilkes,
Jason Wilkes
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
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Timothy Allison,
Timothy Allison
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
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Jeffrey Bennett,
Jeffrey Bennett
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
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Robert Pelton
Robert Pelton
Hanwha Techwin, Houston, TX
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Joshua Schmitt
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
Jason Wilkes
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
Timothy Allison
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
Jeffrey Bennett
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
Karl Wygant
Hanwha Techwin, Houston, TX
Robert Pelton
Hanwha Techwin, Houston, TX
Paper No:
GT2017-64958, V009T38A028; 10 pages
Published Online:
August 17, 2017
Citation
Schmitt, J, Wilkes, J, Allison, T, Bennett, J, Wygant, K, & Pelton, R. "Lowering the Levelized Cost of Electricity of a Concentrating Solar Power Tower With a Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Power Cycle." Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2017: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition. Volume 9: Oil and Gas Applications; Supercritical CO2 Power Cycles; Wind Energy. Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. June 26–30, 2017. V009T38A028. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/GT2017-64958
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