City Research Online

Abstract

This paper focuses on the optimisation of small-scale micro gas turbines totally powered by the concentrated solar power to generate electricity in the range of 5e30kWe. The objective of this paper is to investigate of the potential of such systems for solar power generation at reasonable costs. The computational model uses a component-based approach for thermodynamic performance simulation and features an integrated economic model which allows for the evaluation of economic performance indicators including levelised cost of electricity. The integrated model is coupled to a genetic algorithm optimisation framework to find system designs with optimal techno-economic performance. Two cases of fixed 5kWe rated power and 5-30kWe systems are studied. The performance simulation considers the operation strategy and the safe operation limits. A multi-objective optimisation is performed for each case to find trade-offs between the performance and cost of the system. The levelised cost of electricity and annual solar to electric efficiency are considered for comparison purposes. Results show that a levelised cost of electricity of about 170V/MWh can be achieved for a system installed in Italy. Lower cost of electricity as low as 85V/MWh could be achieved when considering economy of scale and locations with higher annual insolation.

Publication Type:	Article
Publisher Keywords:	0913 Mechanical Engineering, 0914 Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy, 0915 Interdisciplinary Engineering
Departments:	School of Science & Technology > Engineering
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

Export

Downloads