Docent lecture

Abstract

This docent lecture presents research on performance analysis and optimization of hybrid solar-integrated industrial energy systems for renewable heat and power generation via techno-economic modelling. The lecture will primarely focus on the hybridization of concentrating solar thermal technologies with energy storage systems, together with advanced power cycle technologies for heat pumping and power generation (including supercritical CO2), and with solar photovoltaics and power-to-X technologies to satisfy end-user and network requirements more efficiently and sustainably. The metholodogy exploits the use of in-house developed tools and multiple optimization algorithms that address the sizing and design of technologies and systems, and their operation. More specifically, the models build upon time-dependent simulations and consider specific user-dependent and market boundary conditions (e.g. weather, electricity/heat pricing and other macroeconomic indicators), to estimate profitability, cost-efficiency and other relevant lifetime key performance indicators of technical, financial and environmental nature to aid the work of decision makers, e.g. power plant owners and developers, operators, technology manufacturers, and investors.