Evaluation of solar thermal energy capture and storage alternatives for indirect steam generation: A case study

Abstract

This study analyzes the integration of a solar thermal plant for indirect steam generation in a typical industrial process with thermal energy requirements. Solar irradiation is computed using a validated predictive model in Santa Fe province, Argentina. Three configurations are proposed, consisting of parabolic trough collectors and thermal storage tanks. Performance indicators, such as generated energy, resulting solar fraction (the fraction of the industrial process' thermal requirements met by solar energy), and necessary solar field area, are evaluated for each configuration. A specific energy map is generated, showing the solar generation potential at each location. For required solar fractions of 20%-25%, incorporating a thermal storage system does not provide any benefits as the solar plant does not produce enough energy to contribute to the industrial process during winter months. For required solar fractions of 30%-35%, the resulting solar fraction can be increased to 42%-45% with additional capture area and thermal storage capacity. For required solar fractions of 37%-40%, the thermal storage improves the efficiency of the solar plant, resulting in a solar fraction of 50%-60%, allowing the industrial process to receive energy for at least 6 h a day throughout the year. It is concluded that these configurations are suitable for providing a portion of the industrial process' thermal requirements.