Enhancing the Efficiency, Productivity, Stabilizing Operating Conditions and Pollution Reduction of Benghazi North Power Plant by Solar Cooling

By: Awad Boudlal , Abdul Altajouri , Salah Almushaiti , Salah Alsafrani

Libyan authority for scientific research

Issue: |Special Issue on the Benghazi Reconstruction Conference 2023 |

article language: English

Abstract:

Benghazi North power plant is subjected to large ambient air and seawater temperature fluctuations throughout the year, adversely impacting performance and generated power, consequently increasing CO₂ emission rates. Stabilizing the inlet air temperature and controlling the condenser inlet cooling water temperature under design conditions enhances and maintains performance and efficiency year-round. A single-effect water-lithium bromide absorption cycle powered by a solar parabolic trough collector was implemented. For efficient operation during non-sunny periods, an insulated thermal storage tank stores the thermal energy of the working medium, with an assisting heat supply from HRSG downstream exhaust gases to compensate any temperature drop inside the tank, which must not fall below 80°C to ensure effective cooling system operation. Model results indicate an improvement of overall efficiency by 3.635% and generated power by 12.18%, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 3.537%. Annual power output increased by 9.767% and 7.728% for standalone gas turbines and combined cycle power plants, respectively, and net electricity production increased by 141,358,530 kWh/yr, saving $14,135,853 annually. Despite relatively high capital costs, the payback period is 1.48 years at an energy selling price of $0.1/kWh. The annual solar contribution factor of the parabolic trough system reached 91.896% during sunny periods. Keywords: Solar Cooling, Plant Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Pollution Reduction, Power Production.