Thermo-economic optimization of molten salt steam generators

A 110 MWe solar power tower plant is studied. Two configurations of the steam generator are proposed: with one or two trains of heat exchangers. The results show that the optimum pinch point temperature differences are very close to 2.6 °C and 3 °C for the steam generator with one and two trains, respectively. The proposed design of the steam generator consists of a U-shell type for superheater and reheater, a TEMA E shell forced circulation evaporator and a TEMA-F shell preheater. Also, the approach point temperature difference analysis is performed to avoid subcooled flow boiling in the preheater. An economic study to compare forced and natural circulation evaporator designs is carried out.