Analysis and feasibility of integrating a new and novel hybrid solar chimney power plant with a traditional electrical grid

Abstract

This work evaluates the impact of integrating a hybrid solar chimney power plant (HSCPPS) into a medium voltage distribution grid in the Safawi area, Jordan. The HSCPPS can operate as a traditional solar chimney power plant system during the day and as a cooling tower during the night, achieving continuous system utilization. Real data from the distribution grid and CYME software are used to monitor the impact of integrating the HSCPPS to the grid over a 24-hour duration. The impact of the integration step on the performance parameters of the grid corresponding to voltage profile, losses, power factor (PF), and voltage step are investigated. For each of these parameters, a comparison between the grid performance with and without the HSCPPS is carried out and demonstrated. The results show a maximum reduction of voltage deviation from the nominal value by around 0.9%, a maximum reduction in the losses by approximately 0.33%, and a reduction in the PF from 0.83 to 0.74 as the HSCPPS is set to supply only active power (unity PF). In addition, the voltage step test is carried out according to International Electrotechnical Commission 61000-3. The results show that there is a safe margin, and the voltage step limits did not exceed 3% of the nominal voltage.