Cost reduction potential in parabolic trough collector based CSP plants: A case study for India

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews 2021-03, Vol.138, p.110658, Article 110658
• Main Authors: Aseri, Tarun Kumar, Sharma, Chandan, Kandpal, Tara C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Advancements in PTC technology; Cost reduction; CSP plants; Large aperture collector; Parabolic trough collector
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2020.110658

The capital cost of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants is relatively higher amongst other renewable energy-based electricity generation options. To make CSP plants more competitive, different possibilities to reduce capital costs of CSP plants need to be explored while making use of the recent developments in the field. Two potential modalities for parabolic trough collector based CSP plants have been considered in the study – (i) use of large aperture area parabolic troughs and advanced heat transfer fluids so as to operate at higher temperatures (Case-I) and (ii) use of larger aperture area parabolic troughs along with the use of molten salt as both the heat transfer fluid and storage medium (Case-II). The cost reduction potential has been estimated by assessing the impact of proposed changes on the number of components required to be used and consequent reduction in the material requirements in various components of different subsystems of the CSP plant. The likely reduction in capital cost of the parabolic trough collector based CSP plants for a location in India is estimated at 12.3% for Case-I and 29.9% for Case-II. •A review of recent developments in PTC technology to identify cost reduction possibilities.•Estimation of capital cost using advance collectors and heat transfer fluid.•Cost reduction of up to 29.9% is expected using advanced PTC technologies.