Small-scale CSP plant coupled with an ORC system for providing dispatchable power: the Ottana Solar Facility

This paper is focused on the ongoing studies at the Ottana Solar Facility, a new experimental power plant located in Sardinia (Italy). The facility consists of a 630 kW CSP plant and a 400 kW CPV plant. The CSP section includes a solar field based on linear Fresnel collectors using thermal oil as heat transfer fluid and a two-tank direct thermal storage system with a storage capacity of about 15 MWht. The electricity generation is carried out in the Turboden 6HR Special ORC unit. This paper presents a description of the CSP plant characteristics and an analysis of its expected performance. In particular, the results of the simulation activities aimed at assessing the influence of different operational strategies on the CSP plant behavior and, particularly, on the ORC performance are explained and discussed. The simulation models of the main sections of the CSP plant were developed in accordance with literature data and specific information given by the manufacturers. The results provide a useful basis for the future development of the management schemes during the experimental campaigns on the CSP plant.