A SOLAR-DRIVEN COMBINED-CYCLE POWER-PLANT

The main results of a feasibility study of a combined cycle electricit y generation plant, driven by highly concentrated solar energy and hig h-temperature central receiver technology, are presented. New developm ents in solar tower optics, high-performance air receivers and solar-t o-gas turbine interface, were incorporated into a new solar power plan t concept. The new design features 100% solar operation at design poin t, and hybrid (solar and fuel) operation for maximum dispatchability. Software tools were developed to simulate the new system configuration , evaluate its performance and cost, and optimize its design. System e valuation and optimization were carried out for two power levels. The results show that the new system design has cost and performance advan tages over other solar thermal concepts, and can be competitive agains t conventional fuel power plants in certain markets even without gover nment subsidies. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.