Particle CSP plant: Quantifying system benefits through production cost modeling.

Next-generation central receiver concentrating solar power systems (Gen3 CSP) are targeting operating temperatures above 700°C and use of a closed Brayton power cycle with supercritical CO2 (sCO2) as the working fluid. These systems intend to deliver greater value through improved operating efficiency, dramatic cost reductions, and improved ability to provide grid benefits. EPRI conducted production cost modeling to quantify potential system benefits for a particle-based Gen3 CSP technology developed by Sandia National Laboratories. The model explores dispatch strategies for a Particle CSP Plant and determines changes in annual system operating cost, plant revenue, and locational marginal price (LMP). Sensitivity analysis is used to identify scenarios and market conditions in which the technology is competitive, such as high penetrations of variable solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind. The model is intended to quantify the unique value proposition for the Particle CSP Plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]