INTEGRATING SOLAR TOWER TECHNOLOGY FOR INDUSTRIAL PROCESS HEAT

Global energy production heavily relies on fossil fuel technologies, contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. A critical shift to renewable energy technologies, including solar tower technology, is required to address these issues. This study focuses on the integration of solar tower technology into industrial process heat, in particular on the design, modeling, analysis, and evaluation of solar tower that uses molten salt. According to the study's data, Gaziantep, Turkey, is an ideal location for a solar tower facility due to its combination of high direct normal irradiance (DNI) values, reaching 5.39 kWh/m²/day, and flat terrain. The investigation involves developing a 50 MW solar tower at Gaziantep utilizing SolarPILOT and System Advisor Model (SAM), with a primary focus on processes requiring 200°C steam production with plate heat exchanger. Analytical and numerical models provide critical insights into the design and performance of the solar tower. The design of the heliostat field, receiver dimensions, and thermal storage are all configured for performance of solar tower. In order to achieve an appropriate solar tower, the study highlights the importance of the solar multiple, direct normal irradiation value, and thermal storage duration. The results of the study, the Gaziantep solar tower generates 526.38 GWh_th of heat energy in the first year, with a capacity factor of 26.3%. The calculated levelized cost of heat (LCOH) 4.98 ¢USD/kWh_th demonstrates the Gaziantep solar tower's cost analysis when all construction, maintenance, and operating costs are taken into account. Furthermore, as compared to natural gas consumption, the technology contributes to environmental sustainability by preventing the release of 116,462 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. In conclusion, the present study provides for the implementation of solar tower in medium-temperature (200-400°C) industrial processes, as well as global objectives to reduce emissions and transition towards renewable energy.