Part-Load Behavior of a Solar-Heated and Fossil-Fueled Gas Turbine Power Plant

Abstract

Solar energy can be converted effectively into electrical or mechanical energy. The radiant heat of the sun is collected by a parabolic dish, concentrated intensely, and reflected into a cavity receiver. Air flowing through tube panels in front of the receiver inner walls absorbs the radiant energy. Downstream of the receiver is a fossil-fired combustion chamber (hybrid construction). The fuel energy is converted at a higher utilization than in a straight fossil-fueled power plant. The overall efficiency of the hybrid plant rises with increasing turbine inlet temperature. The power delivered by the turbine serves to drive the compressor and the generator. A description of the thermodynamic design of the cycle is followed by statements on the performance characteristics of the individual components and by a description of the steady-state part-load behavior of the plant considering specific conditions such as variations in solar and fossil fuel-generated heat and fluctuating load on the power transmission grid.