Techno-economic analysis of a thermodynamic solar power plant based on molten salts in different sites in Algeria

Abstract

The use of renewable energies is one of the solutions to reduce CO 2 in the
atmosphere and to satisfy our energy needs. Because, the exploitation of
fossil energies such as carbon, gas and oil are responsible for the
disruption of the climate system and the considerable increase of the
temperature during the year and especially during the summer season as
well as the atmospheric pollution.Algeria is one of the countries that is
committed to this strategy and policy. This study presents a numerical
simulation of a concentrated solar power plant with Fresnel mirror solar
concentrator and thermal storage system. This study is carried out in the
regions of Tamanrasset, Laghouat and Mascara. The SAM (System
Advisor Model) software was used to calculate the DNI (Direct Normal
Irradiation) of each region, the wind speed, the nominal and real LCOE
(Levelized Cost Of Electricity) and the annual water consumption of the
plant. The results of this simulation show that the Tamanrasset site is
better selected with the annual capacity factor (CF) was 47.2%, the annual
amount of water consumed is about 38709 m 3 . The nominal and real
(LCOE) are 14.57 ¢/kWh and 11.56 ¢/kWh, respectively.