Abstract :
This paper describes the influence of the solar multiple on the annual performance of parabolic trough solar thermal power plants
with direct steam generation (DSG). The reference system selected is a 50 MWe DSG power plant, with thermal storage and auxiliary
natural gas-fired boiler. It is considered that both systems are necessary for an optimum coupling to the electricity grid. Although thermal
storage is an opening issue for DSG technology, it gives an additional degree of freedom for plant performance optimization. Fossil
hybridization is also a key element if a reliable electricity production must be guaranteed for a defined time span. Once the yearly parameters
of the solar power plant are calculated, the economic analysis is performed, assessing the effect of the solar multiple in the levelized
cost of electricity, as well as in the annual natural gas consumption.
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