NREL has created an analytical model to study a hybrid power option concentrating solar power (CSP) coupled with natural-gas-powered generation.
Several novel concepts related to power generation have been missing in the System Advisor Model (SAM). One such concept, until now, is a hybrid integrated solar combined-cycle (ISCC) system, which has been identified as a potentially cost-effective and lower-risk option for deploying concentrating solar power.
To enable the detailed assessment of this hybridization strategy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) scientists have developed a new CSP component to SAM that models a retrofit ISCC system. In this model, power-cycle performance data are connected with SAM’s molten-salt power-tower model.

NREL has created an analytical model to study a hybrid power option concentrating solar power (CSP) coupled with natural-gas-powered generation.
By adding this hybridization model to SAM, NREL scientists have advanced published models by making it possible to analyze the effect of power-cycle off-design behavior on the solar technology performance.
This expanded capability within SAM will allow a broad community of users to assess the performance and economic viability of new CSP concepts such as solar-field and receiver designs integrated with a brownfield power plant.
Key Research Results
Achievement
NREL developed a retrofit integrated solar combined-cycle model that connects power-cycle performance data with SAM’s molten-salt power tower model.
Key Result
This new model determines the effect of power-cycle off-design behavior on the performance of the solar technology.
Potential Impact
This development allows SAM users to assess the performance and economic viability of a new CSP deployment option.
Year: 2014
Technical Contact: Ty Neises, ty.neises@nrel.gov
References: Neises, T. (2013). SAM Enhancements for CSP. DOE Continuation Report (unpublished). System Advisor Model website. (2013). National Renewable Energy Laboratory. https://sam.nrel.gov.
Zhu, G.; Neises, T.; Turchi, C. (2013). “Thermodynamic Evaluation of Solar Integration into a Natural Gas Combined Cycle Power Plant.” Submitted to Applied Energy.
Source: NREL
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