Thermodynamic optimisation of a hybrid solar-geothermal power plant using Taguchi method

In this paper, an exergetic optimisation of a hybrid solar-geothermal power plant based on Taguchi method is presented. The effects of ambient temperature and solar irradiance on the output parameters of the system were first studied using a thermal model. Then, an optimisation study based on Taguchi method was performed to find the values of the key design and operating parameters that maximises the net power output and the electrical and exergetic efficiencies of the system. The results of this study showed that when the solar irradiance increases, the net power output and the exergetic and electrical efficiencies increase. It was also shown that the turbine inlet and exit pressures are the most dominant factors affecting the performance of the system. In addition, the net power output and the electrical and exergetic efficiencies can be increased up to 16,773 kW, 21.63%, and 70.06%, respectively, for the case study conducted.