SOLHYCO - Solar-Hybrid Power and Cogeneration Plants

Objectives and problems to be solved :

Dispatchable renewable power generation is usually associated with expensive storages or additional back- up systems. Solar-hybrid systems combine solar ene rgy and fossil fuel and thus provide power reliable and, if bio - fuels are used, also 100% sustainable at zero net emissions. Systems based on gas turbines are suited for cogeneration or Combined Cycles, making them very efficient and cost effective.
Main objective of SOLHYCO is to develop a highly efficient solar-hybrid microturbine (SHM) system for power and heat generation with dual solar power and fuel input. To reduce the generation cost, a reliable and cost-effective receiver system is designed. To allow for the use of biofuels a new combustion system is developed. After solar-hybrid system tests a SHM demonstration system is defined for initial niche applications.

Description of work :

The development of the prototype SHM unit is based on a commercial 100 kW microturbine. The concentrated solar energy provided by a heliostat field is absorbed by an innovative solar receiver based on "profiled multi- layer (PML) tubes", thus providing outlet temperatures above 800°C at reduced receiver cost. The thermohydraulic properties are evaluated, the manufacturing process developed and the receiver layout adapted to the energy flow in a solar tower system. A 6 month system test validates the components performances and the system efficiency.
The combustion system components of a formerly kerosene driven 250 kW gas turbine are modified and adapted to the operation with biofuel. The control system is designed and emergency modes are adapted. A solar-hybrid test verifies the proper operability of the new combustion system at 100% renewable energy sources.
For the conceptual layout of solar-hybrid systems the existing layout tools are extended to cogeneration options. Different SHM cogeneration configurations (heat, cooling) are evaluated and a SHM demonstration system is defined. The implementation of new cycle models provides the long term cost perspective also for combined cycle plants above 20 MW. A detailed market assessment for solar-hybrid cogeneration systems determinates initial niche applications.

Expected Results and Exploitation Plans :

The expected result of the SOLHYCO Project is the successful development and test of a complete hybrid prototype cogeneration unit with new components for a 100% renewable operation. Based on the results of the market assessment an exploitation plan is developed by the consortium for a first demonstration plant.
The SOLHYCO technology is well suited as first step towards the replacement of fossil fuels by renewable "fuels". The combination of solar and biofuel sources is increasing the flexibility and dispatchability at zero net emissions. The cogeneration application offers an additional benefit beside the electricity generation thus reducing cost and improving competitiveness.