Optimization of parabolic trough power plants in semi-arid regions of Iran

This study investigates the performance of the parabolic trough (PT) power plants in semi-arid regions of Iran. In addition, the optimal configuration of such concentrated solar power (CSP) plant is determined. To achieve this objective, a PT power plant with the capacity of 50 MW is considered as a reference plant, and Shiraz is selected as the case study location. This city is one of the mostsuitable regions for deploying CSP plants in Iran. The values of solar multiple (SM) and capacity of thermal energy storage (TES) are varied from 1 to 4 and from 0 to 18 h, respectively. Also, the efficiency of two types of cooling systems including dry and wet condensers arestudied. The system advisor model (SAM) software has been used to simulate PT power plants, and the required weather data has been received from the meteorological organization of Iran. The optimization is conducted with respect to the minimum of levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) to find the best configuration for the power plant. Finally, the effect of electricity generation by thepower plant on the mitigation of CO2 emissions and fossil fuel saving is calculated