Thermodynamics performance optimization of a hybrid solar gas turbine power plant in Colombia

Abstract

A thermodynamic model is presented for evaluation of a solar hybrid gas-turbine power plant. The model uses variable ambient temperature and estimates direct solar radiation at different day times. The plant is evaluated in Barranquilla, Colombia, with a solar concentration system and a combustion chamber that burns natural gas. The hybrid system enables to maintain almost constant the power output throughout day. The model allows optimizing the different plant parameters and evaluating maximum performance point. This work presents pressure ratio ranges where the maximum values of overall efficiency, power output, thermal engine efficiency and fuel conversion rate are found. The study is based on the environmental conditions of Barranquilla, Colombia. The results obtained shows that optimum pressure ratio range for power output and overall efficiency is between 6.4 and 8.3, when direct solar radiation its maximum at noon. This thermodynamic analysis is necessary to design new generations of solar thermal power plants.