Solar-driven Dish Stirling System for sustainable power generation in Bangladesh: A case study in Cox?s Bazar

In recent years, the power sector of Bangladesh has seen a major development in terms of generation capacity. But as before, it is heavily dependent on fossil fuels overlooking the potential of renewable energy resources. The scope for grid-connected renewable energy systems has not been explored too far and in terms of solar thermal energy and concentrating solar power (CSP), it is even less. This study focuses on assessing the techno-economic feasibility of solar-driven Dish Stirling system for large-scale grid-connected power generation in Bangladesh. Detailed modeling and optimization of a 100 MW Dish Stirling power plant have been carried out in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, a location suitable for solar energy harnessing due to favorable climatic conditions. The modeling parameters and weather data have been collected from relevant literature, various solar data providers, and specific plant parameters have been optimized for the Bangladeshi climatic condition. Simulation of the modeled plant carried out by the System Advisor Model (SAM) shows that, it can supply 129.856 GWh electricity annually operating at an overall efficiency of 24.91% which is much higher than the values reported in similar literature for the South-Asian regions. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) has been determined to be 10.18 cents/kWh, which is highly competitive and promising. The insights obtained from this study can be a perfect starting point for the policymakers and concerned authorities of Bangladesh to further explore the viability of this technology for renewable and sustainable power.

Automated summary

The power sector in Bangladesh has made significant progress in generation capacity but still relies heavily on fossil fuels, disregarding the potential of renewable energy resources. The study assesses the feasibility of a solar-driven Dish Stirling system for large-scale grid-connected power generation in Bangladesh. Detailed modeling and optimization of a 100 MW Dish Stirling power plant in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, show promising results with an annual electricity supply of 129.856 GWh and an overall efficiency of 24.91%. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is competitive at 10.18 cents/kWh. This study provides insights to policymakers and authorities in Bangladesh for further exploration of this technology for renewable and sustainable power.