Techno-Economic Analysis of a Combined-cycle Concentrating Solar Power Plant Using Two Thermal Energy Storage Systems, a Ceramic Packed-bed, and a Single Tank Molten Salt

Abstract

This dissertation presents a techno-economic analysis and deployment strategy framework for high-temperature central receiver-based concentrated solar power (CR-CSP) systems. While thermal energy storage (TES) is essential for dispatchable CSP, and air–ceramic solutions are at the forefront of current research, the existing literature lacks system-level evaluations that improve thermocline performance through hybridization, incorporating sustainable materials, and full-year operational modeling. To address this gap, a novel dual TES system was developed, integrating a ceramic-packed thermocline with a molten salt tank serving as a thermal sink.
A dynamic simulation approach combining MATLAB© and System Advisor Model (SAM) was used to evaluate three configurations: (1) a two-tank molten salt system, (2) a packed-bed TES system using air as the heat transfer fluid, and (3) the proposed dual TES configuration. The hybrid system achieved the lowest Levelized Cost of Electricity (94.62 USD/MWh), a favorable specific cost (4,692 USD/kW), and a capacity factor of 37.4%, enhancing thermal recovery and discharge stability. Sensitivity analyses highlighted the importance of charge thresholds and TES sizing, showing capacity factor gains up to 27% under optimized conditions.
Beyond simulation, this work offers a structured categorization of CR-CSP technologies, both at the component and plant levels, and a historical timeline of innovation trends. Benchmarking was conducted against operational CSP projects, confirming the proposed system's economic competitiveness. The study also outlines four strategic deployment models, stand-alone systems, co-location, hybridization, and multi-source integration, that support modular and scalable implementation in future CSP developments. Two specific scenarios are proposed: co-location with PV and wind, and direct thermal use in industrial processes.
Overall, this research contributes a validated hybrid TES solution with practical techno-economic and deployment benefits, addressing key gaps in efficiency, sustainability, and real-world implementation for next-generation CSP systems in high-DNI regions.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Ahmad Mayyas (Supervisor)