Design Optimization, Simulation & Performance Analysis of 100MW Solar Tower Thermal Power Plant in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

Abstract

Solar energy is the most copious source of energy worldwide and is regarded as a major substitute of fossil fuels in the field of electricity generation. Electricity can be generated from Solar energy by employing two different methods: Photovoltaic (PV) Conversion and the thermodynamic cycles powered by CSP technologies. Lower lifetime and efficiency of Photovoltaics have created an inclination towards the use and development of CSP technologies. In this study, a 100MW solar tower based thermal power plant is designed, optimized and simulated using System Advisor Model (SAM) to achieve a technically feasible project keeping the climate of Bangladesh in mind. A location (21°35′0″N 92°01′0″E) beside the river Bakkhali in Cox's Bazar receiving more or less constant DNI throughout the year (Annual DNI 1905Kwh/m²) is selected for the study. The simulation results show that the hypothetical power plant can supply 374.55 GWh electricity to the national grid annually while operating at 42.7% capacity factor with a gross to net conversion efficiency of 88.1%. The optimized design and performance of the power plant encourage further innovation and development of solar tower based thermal power plants in Bangladesh.