Design and Optimisation of a Modular PV-CSP Hybrid Plant

Benjamin Gardiner; Stephen Clark; Craig McGregor

doi:10.52825/solarpaces.v3i.2428

Authors

Benjamin Gardiner Stellenbosch University
Stephen Clark Stellenbosch University
Craig McGregor Stellenbosch University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1375-2407

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52825/solarpaces.v3i.2428

Keywords:

Modular, PV-CSP, Hybrid

Abstract

This study investigates the design and optimisation of a hybrid plant comprising an array of 30 MW_ac PV-CSP modules. Each module integrates a PV system, a power tower CSP with thermal energy storage, and a gas-fired generator for backup power. This configuration aims to leverage the benefits of both PV and CSP technologies while addressing the challenges associated with large-scale CSP systems, such as high upfront costs and lengthy construction periods. A Python-based application was developed to optimise and simulate a modular PV-CSP hybrid plant. This application integrates existing software with custom computational and financial models to generate performance and economic metrics. These metrics were used to compare a single 120 MW_ac plant with a modular plant comprising 4 x 30 MW_ac modules that are constructed sequentially. The large-scale plant demonstrates better economic performance across all investigated metrics. The modular layout enables earlier revenue generation; however, it has a higher total installation cost than the large-scale plant. These findings highlight the possible economic advantages of constructing single large-scale systems rather than integrating several small-scale systems.

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