Analysis of CSP/PV Hybrid Power Plants in High Latitude Regions

This study aims to explore the potential of combined CSP and PV systems in high latitude areas. Several performance metrics are evaluated and compared with standalone CSP or PV plants to identify the benefits and challenges of deploying such hybrid plants. Six different sites have been selected and the ASDELSOL hybrid power plant simulation tool, developed by the Thermodynamics and Renewable Energies Group at the University of Seville, has been used. This simulation tool allows performing dynamic performance simulations of hybrid solar plants under various operation strategies, along with conducting economic evaluations. We have analyzed a hybrid solar plant composed of 50 MW PTC and 75 MW PV, with 10 hours of TES and a 15 MW electric heater to transfer excess PV energy to the TES tanks in a 50 MW base load operation strategy, where the main objective of the PV plant is to cover the self-consumption of the PTC plant. Results obtained show that PV/PTC hybridization reduces LCOE and increases CF compared to standalone PV or PTC plants. These improvements are more pronounced in regions where the contribution of PTC plants is lower. In high latitude regions, an N-S orientation of PTC fields achieves higher production than an E-W orientation. However, a combination of both orientations can optimize their production and performance. Finally, it is concluded that it is necessary to carry out feasibility studies in high latitude locations before dismissing them outright, as it has been observed that, in certain regions, hybrid PV/PTC solar plants can offer an effective alternative.