COMPARISON OF SYSTEMS

CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER + THERMAL STORAGE + SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC VS SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC + ELECTRICAL STORAGE VIA BATTERIES

Abstract

The energy transition is lagging behind the commitments made by the countries participating in COP 26, which ratified the Paris Agreement. Every fraction of a degree increase in global ambient temperature could have significant consequences for nature, society and the economy. To achieve course correction, creative and transformative measures are needed. The generation of electricity through photovoltaic (PV) systems has suffered a significant reduction in cost in recent years, having become the most accessible form of electricity generation. However, the storage in batteries (BES) of significant amounts of energy generated by plants (PV) is still a challenge, requiring further investigation. On the other hand, concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) plants, using thermal energy storage systems (TES) are recognized for promoting dispatchability and reliability in the delivery of energy to the power grid. It should be noted that another advantage of plants (CSP/TES) is that they make it possible to generate electricity during the night periods and low solar irradiance. This article presents the results of computer simulations and technical and economic feasibility analyses in order to compare two electric power generation systems running continuously to increase dispatchability and reliability: (1) photovoltaic system with electric energy storage via batteries (PV+BES); (2) solar thermal system with thermal energy storage integrated with solar photovoltaic plant (CSP/TES+PV). For the same annual electric energy generated, the system (CSP/TES+FV) presented better results than those of the system (PV/BES), mainly due to the high cost of electric batteries.