Modeling and numerical simulation of an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle System in Algeria

Solar energy from a parabolic trough solar field can be integrated to a combined cycle in several ways to decrease the already low emissions. This is accomplished in an integrated solar-combined cycle system (ISCCS). The trough parabolic collector technology has been chosen among several technologies for the great possibility of applying it in our strongly sunny country and considering its simplicity of operation which proved its profitability and its reliability. These solar power plants have an attractive future for their simple realization, their low costs and especially their weak emissions of gas with greenhouse effect (compared to those of SEGS II to IX). The collector performance model described in this paper was linked with the TRNSYS simulation program and hour by hour simulation of the energy gained by the collector was determined using the Algerian site radiation data. To sum up, the results are discussed in detail. The goal is to determine the most favorable conditions for a better power generation. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of ISWEE'11