A new Solar Hybrid Power station using solar technology and traditional sources reduces emissions and improves efficiency.
That’s according to research from the Finland’s VTT Technical Research Centre.
VTT’s COMBO-CFB hybrid model could reduce fuel consumption and emissions by more than a third.
It does this by feeding high-pressure solar-generated steam directly into the station turbine.
The concept in which part of the feedwater preheating is replaced with steam from a solar thermal system is already in use in non-renewable powered stations.
New model puts CSP under more pressure
However, compared to the high-pressure used in the COMBO-CFB model, the benefits are small.
Using advanced boiler-making techniques, steam generated by a concentrated solar power (CSP) system feeds directly into the high-pressure turbine.
Because of the need for high pressure, the COMBO-CFB project applied its Finnish project partners’ expertise in boiler technology.
CSP systems use mirrors (heliostats) to reflect sunlight onto a collection area.
Rather than collecting photovoltaic energy, the receiver collects heat, then uses it to create steam to drive electricity generation turbines.
In a hybrid power plant, solar energy production is maximised with a steam boiler to reach high pressures.
Solar hybrid power still viable in low sunlight locations
CSP technology must be located in areas with an abundance of sunlight to work. In Europe, this usually means the countries bordering the Mediterranean.
However, this new technology works in areas with less sunlight by using hybrid power plants.
In these locations solar heat is supplemented by another source of clean energy. For example, Denmark uses a CSP-bio hybrid plant to produce heat.
The production concepts developed through this project will expand the application possibilities of CSP technology, researchers say.
Weather forecasting also plays an important role in effective use of a solar hybrid system.
For example, the functioning of a hybrid plant is improved by installing an advanced predictive control system and a short-term solar radiance forecaster.
Last year, the Finnish Government proposed a total ban on the use of coal-fired generation by 2030.
