Optimal configuration of a solar-powered Organic Rankine Cycle power plant utilizing thermochemical energy storage

The thermal energy storage system greatly influences the efficiency and design of the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power plant. In this research, a novel thermochemical energy storage (TCES) system was incorporated into the solar energy-driven ORC system to enhance its overall efficiency. The study d...

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Main Authors: Sofiene Mellouli, Talal Alqahtani, Salem Algarni, Abdullah A. Faqihi, Badr M. Alshammari, Lioua Kolsi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-01-01
Series:Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X24016630
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author Sofiene Mellouli
Talal Alqahtani
Salem Algarni
Abdullah A. Faqihi
Badr M. Alshammari
Lioua Kolsi
author_facet Sofiene Mellouli
Talal Alqahtani
Salem Algarni
Abdullah A. Faqihi
Badr M. Alshammari
Lioua Kolsi
author_sort Sofiene Mellouli
collection DOAJ
description The thermal energy storage system greatly influences the efficiency and design of the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power plant. In this research, a novel thermochemical energy storage (TCES) system was incorporated into the solar energy-driven ORC system to enhance its overall efficiency. The study details the TCES system, which utilizes paired metal hydrides (specifically LaNi4.25Al0.75/LaNi5) in conjunction with a phase-change material (PCM). What makes this system unique is its integration with an ORC system-a novel approach not previously explored or examined. In order to evaluate and enhance the performance of the TCES system, an optimization model based on simulations was created using the SAM (System Advisor Model) software. This optimization framework is aimed at concurrently determining the best system design, taking into account factors such as solar multiple, storage duration, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), and the availability of solar resources at the location of the ORC plant. This study primarily focuses on achieving the best overall performance for a 50 MW ORC power plant in Tunisia. The results of this research demonstrate that the proposed ORC plant has the potential to generate an annual energy output of 244.2 GWh-e. This outcome is achieved through an optimized system design that incorporates a net conversion efficiency of 54.4 %, a solar multiple of 2.2, and a storage duration of 6.2 h. Additionally, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) decreases to a minimum value of 11.4 c/kWh. The study's findings emphasize the significance of integrating the TCES system into the ORC plant, driving advancements in solar energy technologies, and providing valuable insights for the development of future ORC plants.
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spelling doaj-art-43411f98fa8a4c7eaf13acd3eccec4ef2025-08-20T01:48:12ZengElsevierCase Studies in Thermal Engineering2214-157X2025-01-016510563210.1016/j.csite.2024.105632Optimal configuration of a solar-powered Organic Rankine Cycle power plant utilizing thermochemical energy storageSofiene Mellouli0Talal Alqahtani1Salem Algarni2Abdullah A. Faqihi3Badr M. Alshammari4Lioua Kolsi5College of Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering Department, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; Laboratory of Thermal and Energetic Systems Studies (LESTE) at the National School of Engineering of Monastir, University of Monastir, TunisiaCollege of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi ArabiaCollege of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Ha'il, Ha'il City, 81451, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Ha'il, Ha'il City, 81481, Saudi Arabia; Corresponding author.The thermal energy storage system greatly influences the efficiency and design of the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power plant. In this research, a novel thermochemical energy storage (TCES) system was incorporated into the solar energy-driven ORC system to enhance its overall efficiency. The study details the TCES system, which utilizes paired metal hydrides (specifically LaNi4.25Al0.75/LaNi5) in conjunction with a phase-change material (PCM). What makes this system unique is its integration with an ORC system-a novel approach not previously explored or examined. In order to evaluate and enhance the performance of the TCES system, an optimization model based on simulations was created using the SAM (System Advisor Model) software. This optimization framework is aimed at concurrently determining the best system design, taking into account factors such as solar multiple, storage duration, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), and the availability of solar resources at the location of the ORC plant. This study primarily focuses on achieving the best overall performance for a 50 MW ORC power plant in Tunisia. The results of this research demonstrate that the proposed ORC plant has the potential to generate an annual energy output of 244.2 GWh-e. This outcome is achieved through an optimized system design that incorporates a net conversion efficiency of 54.4 %, a solar multiple of 2.2, and a storage duration of 6.2 h. Additionally, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) decreases to a minimum value of 11.4 c/kWh. The study's findings emphasize the significance of integrating the TCES system into the ORC plant, driving advancements in solar energy technologies, and providing valuable insights for the development of future ORC plants.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X24016630Thermochemical energy storageDual metal hydridesORC-CSP plants
spellingShingle Sofiene Mellouli
Talal Alqahtani
Salem Algarni
Abdullah A. Faqihi
Badr M. Alshammari
Lioua Kolsi
Optimal configuration of a solar-powered Organic Rankine Cycle power plant utilizing thermochemical energy storage
Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Thermochemical energy storage
Dual metal hydrides
ORC-CSP plants
title Optimal configuration of a solar-powered Organic Rankine Cycle power plant utilizing thermochemical energy storage
title_full Optimal configuration of a solar-powered Organic Rankine Cycle power plant utilizing thermochemical energy storage
title_fullStr Optimal configuration of a solar-powered Organic Rankine Cycle power plant utilizing thermochemical energy storage
title_full_unstemmed Optimal configuration of a solar-powered Organic Rankine Cycle power plant utilizing thermochemical energy storage
title_short Optimal configuration of a solar-powered Organic Rankine Cycle power plant utilizing thermochemical energy storage
title_sort optimal configuration of a solar powered organic rankine cycle power plant utilizing thermochemical energy storage
topic Thermochemical energy storage
Dual metal hydrides
ORC-CSP plants
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X24016630
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