The influence of Solar Field inlet and outlet temperature on the cost of electricity in a Molten Salt Parabolic Trough Power Plant

While the positive effect of raising turbine inlet temperature to increase overall plant efficiency is often quoted and discussed, another figure is mentioned to a much lesser extent: The HTF outlet temperature at the steam generator exit, which also has a profound influence on cycle efficiency due to the fact that allowing higher temperatures allows moving to much higher evaporator pressures and, thus, higher cycle efficiencies. This paper aims at evaluating potential benefits of increasing the lower HTF temperature in molten salt parabolic trough power plants based on an evaluation of its influence on LCOE. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.