Integrated solar combined cycle using particles as heat transfer fluid and thermal energy storage medium for flexible electricity dispatch

Abstract

In this work, it is investigated about the application of an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) that uses particles as heat transfer fluid at the receiver and as the storage medium to provide flexible electricity dispatch without any supplementary gas burning. The paper investigates two cornerstones’ of concentrating solar power technologies (CSP); i.e., the application of highly efficient power cycles and the ability to meet grid demand throughout flexible dispatch strategy. Using particles for the solar loop allows meeting both requirements at the same time. On the one hand, very high temperature can be achieved on the solar receiver which enables the use of highly-efficient power cycles according to thermodynamics second statement. On the other hand, particles ease for handling and storage makes them suitable for thermal storage at CSP applications which results into flexible electricity dispatch of the power block. Results shown in this paper prove the feasibility of flexible electricity dispatch of particles-based ISCC following real curve demand.