Comparative performance analysis of two different concentrating solar power plants integrated with a waste heat recovery system

This paper aims to assess the potential of the ORC system for heat recovery in two different CSP technologies. One layout employs a parabolic trough solar field using Therminol VP1 as the primary fluid, while the other adopts solar tower technology with molten solar salt. Both layouts are equipped with thermal energy storage and a fuel backup system, maximizing their dispatch capacities. The analysis reveals that waste heat recovery enhances overall CSP performance, with the parabolic trough (PTSPP) outperforming the solar tower (STPP) in energy efficiency (24.13% vs. 22.62%). In terms of power generation, the PTSPP slightly exceeds the STPP, generating 214.6 GWh annually. Solar blocks contribute significantly to power generation, while the PTSPP's ORC system contributes 40.5 GWh, exceeding STPP's 38 GWh due to the higher heat coming from the parabolic trough's condenser.