Standalone modular powerplant with parabolic-trough collectors combined with an organic Rankine cycle (S-ORC)

The present study designs and analyzes the performance of a modular standalone small-scale and self-sustaining electricity generating plant. This plant is composed of a thermal fluid circuit that absorbs heat from a solar source using a solar parabolic-trough collector (PTC) combined with an Organic Rankine Cycle (S-ORC). The thermodynamic model of the PTC is developed to operate a 15kW micro steam turbine, generating 13. 7kW net power output daily, ranging from 90kWh to 110kWh. Rejected heat from the condensate is used to meet thermal demand using a 0. 5 HP water pump, delivering around 27 l/min of 57 oC heated water. S-ORC facilities using low-impact chlorofluoromethane derivatives have been shown to deliver solid performance with an overall efficiency of 17. 29%, making them a compelling option. The S-ORC system's deployment in standalone modules for both thermal and solar sides highlights its potential as an alternative to crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells in specific scenarios. The capital expenditure for the small-sized S-ORC facility is estimated at around 2, 003 per kWe. Finally, the calculated Levelized Cost of Electricity of 0. 135/kWh and internal rate of return of 22. 7% for the project's twenty-year lifetime is competitive when compared to other concentrating solar power projects or small rooftop PV systems' price range, especially considering the additional thermal heat provided.