Published at Solar Energy – Techno-economic comparative analysis of hybrid PV-CSP systems: particle vs. molten salt based layouts integrated with sCO2 power blocks

Abstract: This study evaluates the techno-economic performance of hybrid PV–CSP power plants using high-temperature particle receivers and compares them directly with molten salt-based alternatives, with all systems integrated into supercritical CO2 (sCO2) Brayton power blocks. A unified simulation and optimization framework is applied to quantify the cost and performance potential of particle-based CSP when combined …

Published at Energy onversion and Management – A data-driven stochastic model predictive control framework for optimal operation of CSP-PV hybrid system under grid coordination

Abstract With the evolution of electricity market mechanisms and the increasing penetration of renewable energy, traditional empirical operation strategies for concentrating solar power (CSP) plants are becoming inadequate to meet the demands for system flexibility and economic efficiency. CSP-photovoltaic (PV) hybrid power plants have emerged as key support, effectively combining the regulatable thermal storage of …

Published at Journal of Energy Storage – Simulation and techno-economic optimization of a PV-CSP hybrid system with thermal energy storage under stability-oriented operation strategy

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) systems are renowned for low electricity generation costs, but their intermittent and non-dispatchable generation poses significant challenges to grid stability and curtailment. Concentrated solar power (CSP), equipped with thermal energy storage (TES), can provide firm, dispatchable power, but its wide deployment is constrained by high capital and operating costs. To address limitations …

Published at Applied Thermal Engineering – Optimal operation of an integrated energy system for a concentrated solar power plant based on a supercritical CO2 plume heat pump

Abstract: With the increasing application of Integrated Energy Systems (IES), more effective utilization of renewable energy and diversification of energy utilization forms have become urgent issues to address. IES faces challenges in the co-optimization of deep carbon reduction and multi-energy complementarity. This paper proposes a Carbon-Sequestration Geothermal-Integrated Solar Energy System (SGIES) that integrates Concentrated Solar …

Published at Solar Energy – Development and durability assessment of recycled Waste-Derived particles for concentrated solar thermal applications

Abstract: Concentrated solar thermal (CST) systems based on solid particle receivers demand granular materials that combine mechanical resilience, stable flow behaviour, and favourable thermophysical properties at high operating temperatures. Although optical performance has received extensive attention in the recent literature, the mechanical attrition kinetics, flowability characteristics, and thermophysical property evolution of waste-derived particles remain insufficiently …

Published at Energy Conversion and Management – Optical and thermal performance analysis of ceramic foam solar receivers in parabolic dish solar collector assemblies: The role of collector geometrical and optical parameters and absorber and coating materials

Abstract: Volumetric solar receivers perform a critical role in high-efficiency concentrated solar power systems, where effective absorption and conversion of concentrated solar radiation directly determine overall performance. This study presents a fully coupled pore-scale modeling framework that integrates Monte Carlo ray tracing with direct hydrothermal simulations on silicon carbide () and alumina () ceramic foam …

Published at Renewable Energy – Design and performance optimization of dual-tower and triple-tower heliostat fields

Abstract: As solar tower systems continue to develop towards larger scales, it is necessary to configure dual-tower and triple-tower fields with higher heat collection capacities. This paper designs and optimizes the performance of dual-tower and triple-tower heliostat fields. Two field arrangement strategies are employed to alter the distance between towers and results show that the …

Published at Nature Energy – The PAINT database for operational concentrating solar power plant data following FAIR data principles

Abstract: Integrating renewable energy is critical for maintaining grid stability while striving towards global climate goals. Concentrating solar power tower plants offer a promising solution but their competitiveness is currently hindered by high operational costs, limited data availability and slow adoption of emerging technologies. To address these barriers, here we introduce PAINT, a FAIR (findable, …

Published at Ceramics International – Upcycling copper slag into high-performance spinel-based ceramics with integrated solar absorption and storage

Abstract: Solid solar absorption/storage material (SSAM) is the crucial component for next generation concentrating solar power (CSP) system, which could promote global carbon neutrality. However, the comprehensive absorption/storage performance of SSAM at low cost has not been realized, thereby hindering its practical application. To address this problem, Fe/Si-rich copper slag, as abundant solid waste, was …

Published at Energy Conversion and Management – Short-term optimal scheduling of a cascade hydropower-wind-photovoltaic-concentrated solar power hybrid power system considering dynamic frequency security constraints and flexible load response

Abstract: As the penetration of renewable energy sources such as wind and photovoltaic generation continues to rise, the inherent randomness and intermittency of their output pose significant challenges to system frequency stability. To address the limited frequency regulation capability under high renewable penetration, this paper proposes a short-term optimal scheduling approach for a cascade hydropower-wind-photovoltaic-concentrated …