Westinghouse

ABSTRACT:
This report describes work done in fulfillment of Task 4 of the EPRI Research Project 648-1, "Requirements Definition and Impact Analysis of Solar Thermal Power Plants." It comprises development of an evaluation methodology, including processes for evaluating solar thermal plant impact on utility reliability and margin requirements and economics, plus the impact of solar plant penetration. In addition to a general methodological framework, specific methods covered herein include a specific economic calculation methodology, a process for modeling the interdependent operation of a solar plant and the balance of the utility system, a procedure for reserve margin analysis, and a method for solar plant penetration analysis.… (más)

ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of alternative fuels on the performance and economics of conceptual Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) power plants. The alternative fuels included natural gas, coal-derived medium Btu gas, methanol, ethanol, and naphtha. Properties of typical examples of these fuels were compiled along with the PAFC requirements to prepare preliminary specifications for fuel processing systems. Vendors were solicited to provide cost, performance, and operational data on fuel processing systems. These data were used to define ten different PAFC power plant configurations of nominally 7.5 MWe utilizing the five alternative fuels. Heat rates for the power plant configurations ranged from 7400 to 10,750 Btu/kWh. Direct capital costs were estimated in terms of prototype unit, 50th unit, and projected fully commercial units (which ranged from $420 to $593/kWe in 1980$) available in the 1990's. Parametric studies were conducted to determine the busbar cost of electricity as functions of: fuel costs, capacity factor, stage of commercial development, and production experience. Based on these studies, recommendations for primary and alternative fuel were developed: in the near term natural gas and methanol respectively were selected; in the longer term, the respective selections were methanol and coal gas.… (más)

ABSTRACT:
This study was performed to estimate the value and potential impact of two advanced central-receiver solar-thermal plant concepts, in the role of electric generating stations, on the Pacific Gas and Electric system. The plants evaluated included solar/fossil hybrid concepts and solar stand-alone plants with thermal storage. Liquid metal/molten salt and combined Brayton/Rankine cycle concepts were investigated.

The analysis was based on the operation of the Pacific Gas and Electric system with these plants modeled in detail on the system.

Sensitivities to insolation site, collector area and thermal storage were investigated.

The study indicates that if the DOE cost goals can be obtained along with the solar plant performance projected, the advanced central-receiver solar-thermal plants investigated can be economically justified on the Pacific Gas and Electric system. Solar/fossil hybrid plants showed no distinct economic advantage over solar stand-alone plants.The solar-thermal plants should be considered for location outside of the Pacific Gas and Electric service area where insolation quality is higher.… (más)

ABSTRACT:
This study was performed to estimate the value and potential electric utility impact of several advanced central receiver solar-thermal plant concepts in the role of electric generating stations. The impact of interest included economics, the cost of producing electricity, fuels displaced, and utility system reliability. The central receiver plants evaluated included solar/fossil hybrid concepts and solar stand-alone plants with thermal storage. Liquid metal/molten salt, closed Brayton cycle, improved water-steam, and combined Brayton/Rankine cycle concepts were among those investigated.

Detailed modeling of the operation of these plants, as they would operate on several electric utility systems, was the basis of the analysis for this study.

Because of the uncertainty of many assumptions, sensitivity analysis was used. Analysis to optimize collector area and storage capacity was also performed.

The study indicates that if the DOE cost goals can be achieved and predicted solar plant performance attained, then the advanced solar-thermal concepts can be competitive in regions with good insolation and some continued use of oil or other surrogate distillate or gaseous fuels. Some thermal storage (3-6 hours) was also found to be desirable for most applications.… (más)