Modeling the efficiency and emissions of a hybrid solar-gas power plant.

In this paper, modeling and analysis of a hybrid solar power plant are presented. Within a theoretical framework, thermodynamic modeling of several components of the cycles has been conducted through simultaneous consideration of energy, exergy, and emissions. The energy and exergy of the combined cycle of the solar-gas turbine and organic Rankine cycle (ORC) have been investigated. Heat loss from the solar receiver has been studied considering essential factors such as wind speed, air pressure, and ambient temperature. The emissions, mass flow rate of working fluids, pressure ratio, and concentration ratio are evaluated and compared with a standard fossil-fueled power plant. The results show that the energy efficiency and exergy of the overall system are substantially improved as the solar radiation intensity increases. Furthermore, the output power of the ORC is reported to be higher than that of the Rankin steam cycle. Consequently, when solar energy is used, the carbon dioxide emission is reduced by 150%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]