In a significant stride towards decarbonizing the building sector, researchers have demonstrated the potential of a hybrid concentrated solar and biomass-fueled trigeneration system for residential applications. The study, led by Luca Cioccolanti from Università degli Studi eCampus, was presented at the Solar Power and Chemical Energy Systems Conference, known as SolarPACES, a global forum for advancements in solar energy technologies.
The research focuses on a small-scale hybrid plant that combines a 240 kWth peak thermal power Linear Fresnel Reflectors solar field with a 130 kWth back-up biomass boiler. This innovative system supplies heat to a 20 kWel/100 kWth Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) unit, providing cooling, heating, and electric power to 10 apartments. The integration of thermal energy storage tanks and a battery energy system further enhances solar energy self-consumption and reduces grid dependency.
Cioccolanti and his team developed an advanced simulator in MATLAB/Simulink to analyze the system’s performance, considering the components’ inertia. The results are promising: the system meets the entire annual thermal demand for space heating, cooling, and domestic hot water through renewable sources, consuming just 2.25 tons of biomass. Electric demand coverage reaches up to 81% with the inclusion of a 60 kWhel battery energy storage system.
One of the key findings is the increment in solar energy self-consumption achieved by exploiting low solar irradiance to bring the latent heat thermal energy storage into its melting range, thereby extending ORC operation into nighttime hours. “This hybrid system not only reduces our reliance on fossil fuels but also optimizes the use of renewable energy sources,” Cioccolanti explained. “The integration of thermal energy storage and battery systems plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the system.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching for the energy sector. By demonstrating the feasibility of a hybrid CSP-biomass system for residential applications, the study paves the way for similar projects to be implemented on a larger scale. This could significantly reduce carbon emissions from the building sector, which accounts for a substantial portion of global energy consumption.
Moreover, the use of an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) unit for combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) applications offers a flexible and efficient solution for residential energy needs. The integration of thermal energy storage and battery systems further enhances the system’s performance, making it a viable option for both new and retrofitted buildings.
As the world continues to seek sustainable and renewable energy solutions, this research provides a compelling case for the adoption of hybrid CSP-biomass systems. The findings not only highlight the technical feasibility of such systems but also underscore their potential commercial impacts. By reducing energy costs and carbon footprints, these systems can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
The study was published in the SolarPACES Conference Proceedings, a renowned platform for cutting-edge research in solar energy technologies. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights from this research are likely to shape future developments in the field, driving innovation and fostering a cleaner, greener energy landscape.