Modellierung des Wärmeerzeugungspotenzials aus Solarturmkraftwerken

Abstract

The transformation of the energy sector is vital when it comes to reaching climate targets set out by international governments. Concentrating solar power allows for easy storage of thermal energy enabling these power plants to provide demand-oriented energy supply. Solar tower power plants can achieve higher concentration ratios and therefore higher outlet temperatures than the commonly used parabolic trough power plants, which leads to an overall increase in thermal to electric efficiency. Furthermore, the higher temperatures achieved by solar tower power plants facilitate the utilization of the generated heat energy as process heat in industrial applications and to produce solar-thermal hydrogen. To simulate maximum installable capacities and energy generation potentials of regions globally, the German Aerospace Centre developed the tool EnDAT. This thesis implements a technology module, which allows EnDAT to simulate global heat generation potentials and installable capacities for solar tower power plants. A simplified modelling approach, based on performance maps initially intended for the software Greenius is used and validated. Finally, the implemented technology module is used to simulate heat generation potentials and installable capacities in Northwest Africa. The results show a high potential for achievable full load hours, particularly when considering thermal energy storage. The levelized costs of electricity for solar tower power plants are unable to compete with photovoltaic systems from a purely economic standpoint. More experience with the technology is required to reduce installation and operating costs, which would make solar tower power plants a useful addition to the renewable energy supply particularly in arid and sunny regions such as Morocco.