Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Sustainable Potential of Concentrating Solar Power Plants: A Comparative Study

  • SOLAR ENERGY CONCENTRATORS
  • Published:
Applied Solar Energy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Algeria has high levels of untapped solar potential and it is necessary to find solutions that take advantage of this fact. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants are one of the available renewable technologies which have more potential in regions with high direct solar radiations. In this study, CSP plant potential in selected regions of southern Algeria was optimized using the System Advisor Model (SAM) software. This takes into account the influence of various determinants and new technologies such as Stored Thermal Energy (STE), and backup system. The results show that the technical parameters (plant efficiency, annual energy produced, the solar field’s size, and the amount of STE) depend greatly on the plant’s technology, variations in DNI, and average atmospheric conditions especially ambient temperature and relative humidity. The Central Receiver Tower Power Solar Plant with storage thermal energy and backup systems using molten salt as heat transfer fluid and storage medium should be an option to take into account in the development of the Algerian system power compared to other solutions (SMopt = 2.8; LCOEopt = 15.11 Cent/kWh; CFopt = 87%; Annual Energy = 376 GW; FLHopt = 15 h). Therefore, the energetic potential in the selected site is estimated to be 400 GW.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 6.
Fig. 7.
Fig. 8.

REFERENCES

  1. Ali Sohani, Mohammad Hassan Shahverdian, Hoseyn Sayyaadi, Siamak Hoseinzadeh, and Saim Memon, Enhancing the renewable energy payback period of a photovoltaic power generation system by water flow cooling, Int. J. Sol. Therm. Vac. Eng., 2021, vol. 3, no. 1, pp 73–85.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Renewable Capacity Statistics 2020, Abu Dhabi: International Renewable Energy Agency, 2020.

  3. Hoseinzadeh, S., Using computational fluid dynamics for different alternatives water flow path in a thermal photovoltaic (PVT) system, Int. J. Num. Methods Heat Fluid Flow, 2021, vol. 31, no. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-02-2020-0085

  4. Hamed Khodayar Sahebi, Siamak Hoseinzadeh, Hossein Ghadamian, Mohammad Hadi Ghasemi, Farbod Esmaeilion, and Davide Astiaso Garcia, Techno-economic analysis and new design of a photovoltaic power plant by a direct radiation amplification system, Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, p. 11493. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011493

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Jorgenson, J., Denholm, P., and Mehos, M., Estimating the Value of Utility-Scale Solar Technologies in California under a 40% Renewable Portfolio Standard, Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), 2014.

  6. Mehos, M., et al., On the Path to SunShot. Advancing Concentrating Solar Power Technology, Performance, and Dispatchability, Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), 2016.

  7. Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2014, Abu Dhabi: International Renewable Energy Agency, 2015. https://www.irena.org/publications.

  8. Pavlović, T.M., Radonjić, I.S., Milosavljević, D.D., and Pantić, L.S., A review of concentrating solar power plants in the world and their potential use in Serbia, Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev., 2012, vol. 16, no. 6, pp. 3891–3902.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. McEwan, M.R., Plataforma solar de Almeria, Annual Report, 2017.

  10. Zeroual, B. and Moummi, A., Design of parabolic trough collector solar field for future solar thermal power plants in Algeria, in Proc. 2nd International Symposium on Environment-Friendly Energies and Applications, Northumbria University, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1109/EFEA.2012.6294069

  11. Yamani, N., Khellaf, A., and Mohammedi, K., Parametric study of tower power plant performances for its implementation in Algeria, in Progress in Clean Energy, Dincer, I., Colpan, C., Kizilkan, O., and Ezan, M., Eds., Cham: Springer, 2015, vol. 2. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17031-2_65

    Book  Google Scholar 

  12. Zhang, Y., et al., Modeling the potential for thermal concentrating solar power technologies, Energy Policy, 2010, vol. 38, no. 12, pp. 7884–7897.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Casati, E., Casella, F., and Colonna, P., Design of CSP plants with optimally operated thermal storage, Sol. Energy, 2015, vol. 116, pp. 371–387.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Pizzolato, A., et al., CSP plants with thermocline thermal energy storage and integrated steam generator—Techno-economic modeling and design optimization, Energy, 2017, vol. 139, pp. 231–246.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Parrado, C., et al., 2050 LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy) projection for a hybrid PV (photovoltaic)-CSP (concentrated solar power) plant in the Atacama Desert, Chile, Energy, 2016, vol. 94, pp. 422–430.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Khaitmukhamedov, A.E., Development dynamics of concentrating solar power technologies, Appl. Sol. Energy, 2022, vol. 58, pp. 318–321.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Butuzov, V.A., Butuzov, V.V., Bryantceva, E.V., and Gnatyuk, I.S., Results of long-term operation of solar thermal plants in Russia, Appl. Sol. Energy, 2021, vol. 57, no. 5, pp. 499–507. https://doi.org/10.3103/S0003701X21060062

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Ahmed Aly, Ana Bernardos, Carlos M. Fernandez-Peruchena, Steen Solvang Jensen, Anders Branth Pedersen, Is concentrated solar power (CSP) a feasible option for Sub-Saharan Africa?: Investigating the techno-economic feasibility of CSP in Tanzania, Renewable Energy, 2019, vol. 135, pp. 1224–1240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.09.065

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Liqreina, A. and Qoaider, L., Dry cooling of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants, an economic competitive option for the desert regions of the MENA region, Sol. Energy, 2014, vol. 103, pp. 417–424.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Alae Azouzoute, Ahmed Alami Merrouni, and Samir Touili, Overview of the integration of CSP as an alternative energy source in the MENA region, Energy Strategy Rev., 2020, vol. 29, p. 100493.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Trabelsi, S.E., Chargui, R., Qoaider, L., Liqreina, A., and Guizani, A., Techno-economic performance of concentrating solar power plants under the climatic conditions of the southern region of Tunisia, Energy Convers. Manage., 2016, vol. 119, pp. 203–214.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Enjavi-Arsanjani, M., Hirbodi, K., and Yaghoobi, M., Solar energy potential and performance assessment of CSP plants in different areas of Iran, Energy Procedia, 2015, vol. 69, pp. 2039–2048.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Badran, O. and Eck, M., The application of parabolic trough technology under Jordanian climate, Renewable Energy, 2006, vol. 31, pp. 791–802.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Shouman, E.R. and Khattab, N.M., Future economic of concentrating solar power (CSP) for electricity generation in Egypt, Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev., 2015, vol. 41, pp 1119–1127.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Abbas, M., Belgroun, Z., Aburidah, H., and Merzouk, N.K., Assessment of a solar parabolic trough power plant for electricity generation under Mediterranean and arid climate conditions in Algeria, Energy Procedia, 2013, vol. 42, pp. 93–102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Mihoub Sofiane, Ali Chermiti, and Hani Beltagy, Methodology of determining the optimum performances of future concentrating solar thermal power plants in Algeria, Energy, 2017, vol. 122, pp. 801–810.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Boukelia, T.E., Mecibah, M.S., Kumar, B.N., and Reddy, K.S., Investigation of solar parabolic trough power plants with and without integrated TES (thermal energy storage) and FBS (fuel backup system) using thermic oil and solar salt, Energy, 2015, vol. 88, pp. 292–303.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Boukelia, T.E., Mecibah, M.S., Kumar, B.N., and Reddy, K.S., Optimization, selection, and feasibility study of solar parabolic trough power plants for Algerian conditions, Energy Convers. Manage., 2015, vol. 101, pp. 450–459.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Ameur, T. and Mohand, A.A.A., Determination of the optimum design through different funding scenarios for future parabolic trough solar power plant in Algeria, Energy Convers. Manage., 2016, vol. 91, pp. 267–279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2014.12.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Boudaoud, S., Khellaf, A., Mohammedi, K., and Behar, O., Thermal performance prediction and sensitivity analysis for future deployment of molten salt cavity receiver solar power plants in Algeria, Energy Convers. Manage., 2015, vol. 89, pp. 655–664.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Yamani, N., Khellaf, A., Mohammedi, K., and Behar, O., Assessment of solar thermal tower technology under Algerian climate, Energy, 2017, vol. 126, pp. 444–460.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Mohamed Abbas, Nachida Kasbadji Merzouk, Zoubir Belgroun, Zahia Tigrine, and Hanane Aburidah, Parametric study of the installation of a solar power tower plant under Saharan climate of Algeria: Case study of Tamanrasset, in Proc. First International Conference on Nanoelectronics, Communications and Renewable Energy, 2013.

  33. Sofiane, M., Design, economic, and environmental assessments of linear Fresnel solar power plants, Environ. Prog. Sustainable Energy, 2019. vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.13350

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Purohit, I., Purohit, P., and Shekhar, S., Evaluating the potential of concentrating solar power generation in Northwestern India, Energy Policy, 2013, vol. 62, pp. 157–175.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Purohit, I. and Purohit, P., Technical and economic potential of concentrating solar thermal power generation in India, Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev., 2017, vol. 78, pp. 648–667.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  36. Duvenhage, D.F., Brent, A.C., Stafford, W.H.L., and Van Den Heever, D., Optimising the concentrating solar power potential in South Africa through an improved GIS analysis, Energies, 2020, vol. 13, p. 3258. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13123258

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Kasra Mohammadi and Hossein Khorasanizadeh, The potential and deployment viability of concentrated solar power (CSP) in Iran, Energy Strategy Rev., 2019, vol. 24, pp. 358–369.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Sonelgaz staff, 2017. https://www.sonelgaz.dz/ ?page=article&ida=668. Accessed August 4, 2017.

  39. Algerian Ministry of Energy, 2018. https://www.energy.gov.dz.

  40. Renewable capacity highlights, 21 March 2020, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). https://www.irena.org/publications.

  41. Du, E., Zhang, N., Hodge, B.-M., Kanga, C., Kroposki, C., and Xia, Q., Economic justification of concentrating solar power in high renewable energy penetrated power systems, Appl. Energy, 2018, vol. 222, pp. 649–661.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Benitez, D., Bouaichaoui, S., Kazantzidis, A., Al-Salaymeh, A., Ali, A.B.H., Balghouthi, M., and Guizani, A. Study about hybrid CSP–PV plants for the MENA region, in 10th International Renewable Energy Congress (IREC), 2019, pp. 1–6.

  43. Hassani, S. E., Ouali, H., Moussaoui, M.A., and Mezrhab, A., Techno-economic analysis of a hybrid CSP/PV plants in the eastern region of Morocco, Appl. Sol. Energy, 2021, vol. 57, no. 4, pp. 297–309.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Mohammad Sajjadi, Mansour Shirvani, Mohammad Reza Yousefi, Hadi Afsari, Loghman Rezaei, and Mohammad Ghanadi, Day and night times performance improvement of the solar chimney by combining with the CSP System, Appl. Sol. Energy, 2021, vol. 57, no. 6, pp. 310–323. https://doi.org/10.3103/S0003701X21040095

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Toub, M., Reddy, C.R., Robinett, R.D. III, and Shahbakhti, M., Integration and optimal control of MicroCSP with building HVAC systems: Review and future directions, Energies, 2021, vol. 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14030730

  46. Sofiane, M., Contribution à la modélisation et à l’optimisation des concentrateurs solaires motorisés appliqués aux systèmes thermosolaires, Doctoral Thesis, Algeria: University of Tlemcen, 2017.

  47. The System Advisor Model (SAM) Help Manual, Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), 2017.

  48. Gafurov, T., Usaola, J., and Prodanovic, M., Modelling of concentrating solar power plant for power system reliability studies, IET Renewable Power Gener., 2014, vol. 9, pp. 120–130.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Kost, C., Levelized cost of electricity, renewable energy technologies, Technical Report, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, 2013.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Konstantin, P., Praxisbuch Energiewirtschaft: Energieumwandlung, -Transport und -Beschaffung im Liberalisierten Markt, Berlin: Springer, 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Short, W., Manual for the economic evaluation of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1995. http://www.nrel.gov/docs/legosti/old/5173.pdf.

  52. OECD Development Centre. African Economic Outlook 2019, Structural Transformation and Natural Resources, 2019.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  53. JRC Photovoltaıc Geographical Information System (2020): http://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvg_tools/en/tools.html#TM.

  54. Transfert d’eau In Salah-Tamanrasset: un méga projet devenu réalité. https://www.algerie360.com/transfert-deau-in-salah-tamanrasset-un-mega-projet-devenu-realite/.

  55. Ming, L., Steven Tay, N.H., Bell, S., Belusko, M., Jacob, R., Will, G., et al., Review on concentrating solar power plants and new developments in high temperature thermal energy storage technologies, Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev., 2016, vol. 53, pp. 1411–1432. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.09.026

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

No founding is available.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria

    Sofiane Mihoub

  2. University of Tizi-Ouzou, Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria

    Beltagy Hani

  3. Ibn Khaldoun University of Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria

    Abdelillah Benahmed

Authors
  1. Sofiane Mihoub
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Beltagy Hani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Abdelillah Benahmed
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sofiane Mihoub.

Ethics declarations

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Mihoub, S., Hani, B. & Benahmed, A. Sustainable Potential of Concentrating Solar Power Plants: A Comparative Study. Appl. Sol. Energy 58, 675–688 (2022). https://doi.org/10.3103/S0003701X21101126

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.3103/S0003701X21101126

Keywords:

Search

Navigation