Open-source Modeling of Thermal Hybridization in Csp-biomass Cogeneration: a Brazilian Sugarcane Plant Case Study
Abstract
This study analyzes the integration of parabolic trough solar collectors into a sugarcane bagasse cogeneration plant under three configurations: (i) feedwater preheating, (ii) saturated steam generation, and (iii) superheated steam generation in parallel with a steam generator. The hybrid system was modeled hourly over a typical meteorological year using Python. Solar-to-electricity efficiency was evaluated under varying thermal loads. Results show that feedwater preheating minimizes thermal losses and yields fuel savings of up to 1.07%. Superheated steam generation reaches higher solar-to-electricity efficiency (10.12%) but demands greater collector area and results in higher losses. The baseline thermal efficiency (17.34%) increases to 22.11% with off-season solar-assisted operation. Overall, solar integration reduces bagasse consumption by up to 10.12% and enhances plant performance.
Keywords
Sugarcane bagasse, Parabolic trough collectors, Direct steam generation, Cogeneration.