Levelized cost of heat for linear Fresnel concentrated solar systems

In this paper, a deep investigation upon levelized cost of heat (LCOH) produced by small-scale solar linear concentrating Fresnel collectors (CSLFC) is proposed. Solar industrial process heat applications have temperature requirements from about 60°C to 260°C. CSLFCs can effectively integrate conventional fossil fuel thermal systems. The study is addressed to assess technology cost projection needed to achieve competitive LCOH. So, on the basis of a framework specifically developed for these economic assessments, the best investment scenarios, in terms of industrial application, geographical location and technical design solutions, where to effectively apply the technology of CSLFC, are highlighted. The analysis has been focused on specific cost of several existing CSLFCs associated with declared performances at different operating temperatures. Two main classes of CSLFC with different total efficiency (optical and thermal) corresponding to various design solutions and specific cost were selected. The expected performances in the whole application temperature range have been evaluated through Glayx Tech proprietary simulation code, including optical and thermal unsteady analysis. A huge database coming from full CSLFC simulation varying latitude, yearly DNI, operating fluid, outlet temperature, thermal storage options, has been collected. CLSFC design and performance requirements are the key-choice to achieve competitive LCOH: the use of high efficiency - high cost components is not always rewarding in terms of final LCOH and must be attentively decided basing on site, irradiation, heat quality and LCOH target. In this perspective, CLSFCs are the most promising for industrial small scale heat applications since they show the greatest potential to reduce manufacturing costs. © 2013 The Authors.