Abstract: The progress in the deployment of power towers directly affected the reduction of the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), a standard for economic assessment of technologies producing electricity. LCOE of CSP plants is predicted to drop down to less than 0.05 USD/kWh in the coming years. Fig. 2 gives the LCOE of various plants …
Published at Energy – Concentrated solar heat for the decarbonization of industrial chemical processes: a case study on crude oil distillation
Abstract: A novel strategy for the decarbonization of crude oil distillation was proposed considering two distillation columns located in Sicily that were simulated by adapting the equipment datasheet of the refinery Raffineria di Milazzo (RAM). The proposed approach consists of the integration of the topping section with a concentrating solar power (CSP) plant to decrease …
Published at Applied Thermal Engineering – Enhancement of the Power-to-Heat Energy Conversion Process of a Thermal Energy Storage Cycle through the use of a Thermoelectric Heat Pump
Abstract: The principal strategy for achieving a neutral climate entails enhancing the share of renewable energies in the energy mix, in conjunction with promoting innovation in efficient technologies. Thermal energy storage systems have the potential to efficiently handle the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, these systems can effectively handle shifts in both heat …
Published at Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments – Energy systems capacity planning under high renewable penetration considering concentrating solar power
Abstract: With the rapid development of renewable generation and the promotion of “Clean Heating”, the uncertainty of renewables as well as rising energy demand has posed significant problems to the energy system’s economical and flexible operation. As a renewable energy generation technology, concentrating solar power (CSP) with thermal energy storage (TES) offers a promising approach …
Published at Chemical Engineering Science – Experimental screening of metal nitrides hydrolysis for green ammonia synthesis via solar thermochemical looping
Abstract: Ammonia is a fundamental chemical commodity for fertilizers and as a novel energy vector. Solar-driven ammonia synthesis is proposed as a sustainable alternative to the catalytic energy-intensive and CO2-emitting Haber-Bosch process. The considered thermochemical process aims to produce ammonia from nitrogen and water (N2 + 3H2O → 2NH3 + 1.5O2) via redox cycles using a solar heat source, thus bypassing …
Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells – Incorporation of CaZrO3 into calcium-based heat carriers for efficient solar thermochemical energy storage
Abstract Calcium-based materials (CaCO3/CaO) have shown significant potential for use in thermochemical energy storage systems for concentrated solar power generation due to their low-cost, high-energy storage efficiency, and operational temperature range. However, the energy storage performance of calcium-based heat carriers degrades rapidly over cycles due to high-temperature sintering, limiting practical applications. In this study, we …
Published at Renewable Energy – Feasibility study: Economic and technical analysis of optimal configuration and operation of a hybrid CSP/PV/wind power cogeneration system with energy storage
Abstract: In this study, a hybrid photovoltaic-wind-concentrated solar power renewable energy system and two cogeneration models are proposed. Evaluation criteria are employed, including the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and the loss of power supply probability (LPSP). The optimal configuration and dynamic dispatch strategy of the hybrid system are determined through multi-objective optimization using the …
Published at Energy – Analysis of heat and mass transfer in a porous solar thermochemical reactor
IMAGE©Synhelion – solar heat for industry Abstract: Solar thermochemistry shows great potential as a viable solution for addressing the challenge of energy storage. The design of the reactor is still challenging the development and rapid upscaling of solar thermal conversion and storage processes. This study presents a novel reactor capable of gas reheating and develops …
Published at Energy Conversion and Management – Research progress on metal oxide oxygen carrier materials for two-step solar thermochemical cycles in the last five years
Full-size image Abstract: In the evolving landscape of sustainable energy solutions, the approach of two-step solar thermochemical cycles assumes a position of paramount importance. Metal oxide oxygen carriers, integral to the functioning of these cycles, play a pivotal role in harnessing solar energy for the production of CO and H2 through two-step chemical reactions involving …
Published at Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research – Solar Thermochemical Production of Syngas from H2O and CO2─Experimental Parametric Study, Control, and Automation
Abstract: We report on an experimental parametric study performed on a modular and fully automated solar fuel system for the solar-driven thermochemical splitting of CO2 and H2O. Concentrated solar energy is used as the source of high-temperature process heat for effecting a ceria-based redox cycle, producing syngas with a tailored H2/CO ratio. We determine the influence …

