Work performed from the beginning of the project
The target of the simulation (WP2) has been focused on the operation strategies and on how the plant system could be used to get the maximum performances. In order to optimize the energy efficiency of the Turbine and then to increase the production of power, it was necessary to analyse the utilization of the TES system in particular operative conditions of the Turbine-solar field system (e.g., in the morning the energy stored in the TES system can be employed to feed the ORC Turbine, waiting that the output of the solar field reaches the optimal operating conditions).
The material characterization analysis (WP3) have interested a full experimental characterization of Heat Storage Materials (HSMs) employed in the two TES solutions proposed. These activities have included also the aging aspects and the chemical interaction among the HSMs and the TES structure materials in the different functioning conditions. In order to reduce maintenance and capital costs and the execution time of the project, the choice of the HSMs (for both technology solutions) and of the structural material of the tank employed in the project has been performed with the support of industrial partners.
According to the project, CIC has realized a trial TES prototype in scale size of 1/100 with oil and FSMs (magnetite) and started with the experimental tests of characterization of the system. In parallel, F-ISE has tested a molten salt thermocline system without internal heat exchanger to show the effect of inserting a heat exchanger into a single-tank system and contribute to the results for model validation (D4.1).
At the site of the pilot plant have already been started the works to integrate the IRESEN CSP plant with ORC-PLUS pilot plant; they have already terminated the preparation of: - the solar field (levelling, drainage system, realization of a gravel substrates to prevent the formation of dust that may be detrimental for the health of the worker and optical instrumentation), - the foundation of the TES tank, - the predisposition of the piping of the plant to connect the TES with the ORC-Turbine, and - the Fire Fighting Air system. In the intent to create the local market and in line with the features of the DoW , in this phase, has been considered the possibility to select the local manufactures as subcontractors. Soltigua has almost completed the development and the production of the solar collectors.
In the WP7 to attenuate the issues related with the development of plant "first-of-a-kind", like ORC-PLUS, and in order to bridge the gap between technological demonstration and commercial deployment has been developed by IRESEN a specific census to evaluate the public acceptance (D7.1), and to meet the public acceptance of the local stakeholders it has been arranged in Casablanca a first Workshop with the presence of external experts.
Objectives achieved
– Definition of a new simulation tool of the TES technologies proposed;
– Definition of the operation strategies of the pilot plant to maximize its performance;
– Definition of a modular approach of packaged engineering solutions for the solar field that will can be re-applied in other similar situations as part of the overall effort to reduce by 20% the construction time;
– Characterization of the low melting molten salt mixture that will be used for the construction of the pilot plant;
– Characterization of the HSM employed in the solution based on packed bed: shape and size of pebbles;
– Characterization of the materials for TES Tank with respect to the technologies employed;
– Design, and commissioning of the trial TES prototype based on oil/packed bed;
– Definition of the preliminary design of the ORC-PLUS pilot plant.
– Maximization of the Moroccan activities for the activities related with building of the pilot plant;
– Workshop on the local Public acceptance.
Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact
Environment
ORC-PLUS aims to develop a renewable technical power generation that currently, in some areas of the Mediterranean or in Sub-Saharan Africa, is covered by the Diesel generators. The expected reduction of the CO2 emission has been fixed at 920 tCO2/y (factor of conversion employed: 0,460 tCO2/MWhe for year).
Market Transformation
The smaller size of this new CSP concept requires lower investment compared to large CSP plants, so this action will allow at the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a chance to enter the future smart market of renewable generation power
Policy
The project will allow to support the electrification programmes of rural and semi-urban sites and will provide access to electricity to marginalized social classes. This will permit to provide new guarantees and to incentive private investors to relocate the industrial or commercial activities in peripheral areas., Everything said , the project will permit to promote territorial cohesion and inclusive economic growth models.
Improving EU energy security
The ORC-PLUS will contribute to improving EU energy security because it supports the developing of small storage systems supplied by renewable energy source, which are the key elements to favour success of the integration of the renewable with conventional generation (smart grid).
Joint actions with member states/Associated countries
The ORC-PLUS will permit to improve the coordination of energy R&I programmes with partner associated countries such as Morocco (directly involved in the project) and other countries creating the bases for further positive contribution at the social EU security
