Developing solar vacuum cylindrical cavity receiver for reducing CO2 Pollutant: A new approach to energy governance

Abstract

Air pollution is recognized as a critical environmental challenge impacting humanity, with factors such as population growth, industrial expansion, and increased use of motorized vehicles contributing to its worsening. Presently, developing nations like Iran, particularly cities such as Tehran, grapple with severe air pollution issues exacerbated by the heavy reliance on fossil fuels. This research introduces a solar power system integrating an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) unit to generate electricity while concurrently addressing air pollution concerns. A novel solar dish concentrator featuring a vacuum cylindrical cavity receiver was studied optically and thermally in Tehran, Iran, from 2001 to 2022. The investigation also analyzed the emission reduction potential and land requirements for implementing the solar ORC system. The results indicated that employing the ORC system with a vacuum cavity receiver offers a more effective solution for reducing CO₂ emissions and enhancing environmental conditions. To satisfy 10% of Tehran’s industrial power demand in 2022, the solar ORC system required about 459 ha of land for the vacuum cylindrical receiver, whereas the non-vacuum cylindrical receiver necessitated approximately 538 ha. In essence, developing this solar ORC system could lead to a carbon mitigation of 1,676,641.50 tons of CO₂ and generate carbon credits valued at $24,311,287.31. Ultimately, the proposed solar ORC system holds significant promise in advancing energy governance by establishing innovative power plant systems.