Solar multiple optimization and dispatch analysis of a potential parabolic CSP plant in Kenya

Abstract

This paper reports on economic optimization of solar parabolic power using solar multiple by varying the area of the collector sizes with and without thermal storage. The principle design factors influencing the technical performance of a solar parabolic plant have been presented. These factors include solar parabolic collectors, receivers, thermal storage, solar multiple and the solar field. Optimization of the solar multiple to achieve the lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) has been done. It has also been found that the LCOE is higher for a plant without storage.