Alternative cycles based on carbon dioxide for central receiver solar power plants

摘要: Abstract Research in concentrated thermal solar power plants of all types and, particular, those based on central receiver, namely tower plants, has experienced great impetus the last decade, reaching full commercial operation with PS10 plant Spain. In spite previous demonstration testing different receivers and cycle layouts, this first adopted a cavity receiver generating saturated steam therefore penalising efficiency order to gain reliability. According experience gained, if competitive Levelised Cost Electricity is be reached, capital maintenance costs must reduced efficiencies increased. To achieve these goals, modifying deemed essential, whether using superheated or alternative fluids. work, use supercritical transcritical carbon dioxide cycles for application proposed. Three are considered, two which stand-alone closed gas turbines dioxide. The third proposal combined that comprises topping turbine bottoming Organic Rankine Cycle. Preliminary results show promising technologies having potential compete terms other conventional technologies.