WREF 2012: Power Tower Reference Plant for Cost Modeling with the System Advisor Model (SAM)

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7 Scopus Citations

Abstract

This paper describes a spreadsheet cost model developed for molten-salt power tower solar power plants. The cost model was developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in cooperation with researchers at Sandia National Labs, for use with the System Advisor Model (SAM). The model replicates the structure of a model developed for SAM parabolic trough power plants and released in 2010. Cost and sizing information are taken from the 2011 Power Tower Technology Roadmap, the 2010 Parabolic Trough Reference Plant, and references given within both studies. The reference plant in the model assumes a 100-MWe (net) power tower running with a nitrate salt heat transfer fluid (HTF). Nine hours of thermal storage is provided by direct storage of the HTF in a two-tank system. Wetcooling and dry-cooling configurations are considered. The spreadsheet cost model includes capital and operating costs by component, e.g., mirrors, HTF, operators, etc., to allow users to estimate the impact of changes in component costs. The reference plant location is Daggett, California, and southern California union labor rates are assumed.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages2598-2605
Number of pages8
StatePublished - 2012
EventWorld Renewable Energy Forum, WREF 2012, Including World Renewable Energy Congress XII and Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) Annual Conference - Denver, CO, United States
Duration: 13 May 201217 May 2012

Conference

ConferenceWorld Renewable Energy Forum, WREF 2012, Including World Renewable Energy Congress XII and Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) Annual Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver, CO
Period13/05/1217/05/12

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/CP-5500-54638

Keywords

  • cost model
  • Solar Advisor Model
  • solar energy

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