Hybridization of combustion power plants with concentrated solar power

Details

Supervisors

Jeanmart, Hervé ; Snoeck, Jean

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil mécanicien

Abstract

Due to the global warming, more and more countries desire to mitigate their carbon footprint and to develop environmental friendly electricity generation. Nevertheless, renewables have the disadvantage to be expensive and intermittent. In this respect, the hybridization of combustion power plants with concentrated solar power is expected to be relevant because many synergies exist between these two technologies. The goal of this master thesis is thus to determine the best hybridization process from the thermodynamic point of view but also from the economic point of view. In this regard, the natural gas is firstly selected after a review of the possible energy source combinations with concentrated solar power. Afterwards, a Matlab program is set up in order to assess the thermodynamic and economic performances of the various hybridization options. The hybridization of the combined cycle and of the gas turbine are achieved. Finally, an existing hybridized power plant is modelled on a state-of-the-art heat and mass balance program, Thermoflow, thanks to the partnership with Tractebel Engineering. The aim is to verify the results obtained with the Matlab program and to perform complex parameter studies.