Enhancing the Efficiency and Schedule of Solar Thermal Power Plants by Utilizing Thermal Storage Devices to Minimize Carbon Emissions

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shree Venkateshwara Hi-Tech Engineering College, Gobichettipalayam 638 455, Tamil Nadu, India
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, United College of Engineering and Research, Prayagraj 211010, Uttar Pradesh, India
³ Department of Robotics and Automation, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
⁴ Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Velammal Institute of Technology, Panjetty 601 204, Tamil Nadu, India
⁵ Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Gnanamani College of Technology, Namakkal 637 018, Tamil Nadu, India
⁶ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bapatla Engineering College, Bapatla 522 102, Andhra Pradesh, India
⁷ Department of Mechanical Engineering, PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research, Coimbatore 641062, Tamil Nadu, India

^* Corresponding author: plinges.waran@gmail.com

Abstract

The renewable energy method of photo thermal power generation has great promise for future advancements. The core structure and characteristics of energy flow of photo thermal power plants are often overlooked when operating and scheduling these facilities. This paper details the architecture of a Photo Thermal Power Plant (PTPP) with a Thermal Storage System (TSS) and examines the primary energy flow patterns of the plant in order to develop a schedule optimization model for the facility that runs autonomously and generates no carbon emissions. The results of the simulation showed that the photovoltaic power plant’s power output capacity and revenue may be improved by adding a TSS to the self- operating model that was originally developed for planning power generation and peak valley energy pricing. When the capacity of the TSS was more than 6 hours, there was no fine for inadequate power generation in the simulation. A rise of 84.9 % in revenue was achieved by increasing the Thermal Storage (TS) system’s capacity. Carbon emissions dropped from 26.4×103 tons to 22.1×103 tons and the overall operating cost went down from 136531.02 k ₹ to 102247.98 k ₹ when the capacity of the TSS went enhanced from 0 to 8 hours. In comparison to previous research, this study’s exhaustive optimization model and analysis of energy flows yields a more thorough and rigorous response. Improving the long-term viability of renewable energy sources, developing more efficient energy systems, and developing new clean energy technologies are primary goals of this study.