ACWA Power’s CSP Performance Models

An Online Centralized Platform for ACWA Power’s CSP Portfolio

Abstract

CWA Power develops, owns, and operates several CSP projects, including the largest one in the world. One of the primary objectives for companies in the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) sector is to lower the electricity costs associated with CSP plants. This goal extends not only to existing operational plants but also to future projects. Enhancing plant performance is a key pathway to achieving this cost reduction. CSP performance models play a pivotal role in this journey by allowing us to analyse different configurations, changes, or modifications without the necessity of their physical implementation. In 2015, ACWA Power made a strategic decision to develop its own CSP performance models. This move aimed to enhance ACWA Power’s competitiveness for upcoming projects while also supporting operational plants by identifying avenues for performance improvement. The decision was made to create models for the two prevailing CSP technologies: Parabolic Trough with thermal oil as the heat transfer fluid (HTF) and molten salt storage system, as well as solar tower with molten salts.