Performance analyis of a high-temperature Kalina cycle integrated with parabolic trough collectors for CSP in México

Ingeniería en Sistemas Energéticos Sustentables, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México Eduardo González-Mora [email protected] Performance Analysis of a High-Temperature Kalina Cycle Integrated with Parabolic Trough Collectors for CSP in México References Introduction 1 Conclusions 4 CSP produces high-temperature heat for power generation. With thermal storage (TES), it provides dispatchable electricity beyond daylight. The Kalina cycle (ammonia–water) reduces exergy losses through variable-temperature phase change, offering higher efficiency than Rankine or ORC. Yet, HT-Kalina with PTC+TES remains largely unexplored. In México, CSP capacity is minimal and fossil fuels supply 76.8% of electricity. Reaching renewable targets requires flexible, high-efficiency solar systems in high-DNI regions. An HT-KC with PTC + TES can deliver stable, dispatchable power, improving grid stability and supporting decarbonization. The HT-KC with TES provided year-round, dispatchable power, reaching 66.4% exergy efficiency (design day) and 41.9% solar fraction annually, despite DNI variability. A 10 MW HT-KC (390ºC)is integrated with a PTC field (EuroTrough, Therminol VP1) and two-tank molten salt TES (280-330 °C). Heat is transferred via an intermediate exchanger. TES is sized for daily balance at SM = 1.5. • A 10 MW HT-KC with PTC+TES ensures dispatchable renewable power in México. • Achieves 66.4% exergy efficiency on design day and stable annual performance (41.9% SF, 44.1% CF). • TES mitigates seasonal variability, securing reliable operation during low DNI. • Compared with DSG Rankine, HT-KC sacrifices peak efficiency for flexibility and storage compatibility. • Test feasibility of a 10 MW HT-KC with PTC+TES. • Assess energy and exergy performance (design day & annual). • Compare with a 10 MW DSG Rankine cycle. • Identify efficiency vs. flexibility trade-offs. Materials and methods 2 Fig. 3. Efficiency of the HT-KC. Fig. 2. Solar field thermal power. Results 3 Fig. 1. Schematic diagram of the HT-KC. Table 1. Summary of the HT-KC performance Parameter 21-mar 21-jun 21-sep 21-dec Year Thermal energy delivered by the solar field 364.22 MWh 531.74 MWh 396.69 MWh 274.57 MWh 112.81 GWh Thermal energy required to run the HT-KC Solar fraction 51.50% 75.16% 56.07% 38.81% 41.87% System operating hours 11 h 14 h 12 h 10 h 3863 h Average energy efficiency 0.19 0.2 0.2 0.19 0.19 Average exergy efficiency 0.26 0.23 0.22 0.21 0.22 Capacity factor 47.83% 60.87% 52.17% 43.48% 44.10% 707.48 MWh [1] González-Mora, E., Durán-García, Ma.D., 2024. Assessing parabolic trough collectors and linear Fresnel reflectors direct steam generation solar power plants in Northwest México. Renew Energy 228, 120375. [2] Jeannot, I., Rahman, M.M., Saat, A., Faizal, H.M., Abdul Wahid, M., 2021. Thermodynamic Evaluation of a Solar Based Kalina Cycle, in: Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management. [3] Elbir, A., 2024. Comparative analysis of Kalina and ORC cycles in renewable energy systems: exergo-environmental assessment and cost calculations with carbon emissions. International Journal of Energy Studies 9. • Peak: 32.51% energy efficiency, 66.4% exergy efficiency. • Annual: 41.87% solar fraction, 44.10% capacity factor. • Resilience: TES enables steady multi-hour output. HT-Kalina with TES transforms México’s sunlight into reliable, round-the-clock clean power. T G 13 14 HX2 15 16 ABS 17 18 19 6 7 CND 8 9 20 3 2 1 5 10 21 11 12 29 28 27 26 Solar field Hot TES Cold TES HX1 Tank SEP 0 10 20 30 40 50 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 21-03 21-06 21-09 21-12 Design Solar field thermal power, Q . SF (MW) Time, hs(hours) 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 I,03-21 II,03-21 I,06-21 II,06-21 I,09-21 II,09-21 I,12-21 II,12-21 Efficiency, Time, hs(hours)