Estimation and Identification of Cost Reduction Potential Avenues for Large Aperture (9 M) Parabolic Trough Solar Collector

Abstract

In this study, the cost reduction avenues for large aperture (9 m) parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) have been identified using inventory of material approach for the Indian context. The large aperture PTSC has been selected based on the coupled optical and thermal analysis. The mass of the various components of the proposed large aperture is identified, taking the reference of the (Euro Trough) ET. Based on the potential mass reduction of the various subsection of the solar field, the cost of the large aperture PTSC has been identified, which is used to estimate the levelized cost of electricity (LCoE) for the 50 MW CSP plant for both wet and dry cooling system, and with and without thermal energy storage (TES). Furthermore, the sensitivity of the various design parameters such as location, design point direct normal irradiance (DNI), solar multiple (SM) and TES has been studied. It has been identified that there is a cost reduction potential of up to 25% as compared to ET based CSP plants. The lowest LCoE is estimated as USD 0.105 per kWh, although the variation in the LCoE is enormous, going up to USD 0.327 per kWh for the considered parameters.

Keywords: CSP, parabolic trough collector, large aperture, cost estimation, cost reduction potential