Thermodynamic analysis of small-scale CSP based on ORC systems compared with PV systems in North Africa zone. (Algeria as a case study)

This study presents a simulation of electricity generation systems utilizing solar energy, employing TRNSYS and EES software to address the energy needs of isolated areas in Algeria. Two solar energy systems were compared: the CSP-ORC and the Photovoltaic, analyzed across three regions: Adrar, Illizi, and El-Bayadh. The CSP-ORC system was enhanced by incorporating components for optimizing the operation of the pump within the ORC, as well as integrating a solar photovoltaic system with battery storage at a capacity of 50 kW. The estimated electrical power generated by the studied systems is approximately 1 MW. We compared the technical performance of a 1 MW s-ORC system with thermal energy storage against that of a solar photovoltaic system of the same capacity. This analysis underscores the viability of both CSP-ORC and PV systems for electricity generation in isolated arid regions of Algeria. However, the superior performance of the PV system, particularly during the winter months, suggests that while CSP-ORC systems are promising, they may require further enhancements or integrated solutions (such as hybrid systems) to improve output and reliability across all seasons. The economic analysis highlights the cost-effectiveness of PV systems, which have lower investment, maintenance costs, and LCOE than CSP-ORC. The lowest LCOE (0.0311 €/kWh) and fastest payback (3.62 years) were observed in Illizi for PV, while CSP-ORC had the highest LCOE in El-Bayadh. Environmentally, PV reduces 55.2 tons of CO2 emissions in Illizi, whereas CSP-ORC, generating more electricity, prevents 84 tons. Both systems significantly cut emissions compared to diesel generators.