Development and Validation of a Dynamic Simulation Model for an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle Power Plant

The combined cycle power plants are the most recognized thermal power plants for their high efficiency, fast start-up capability, and relatively low environmental impact. Moreover, their flexible unit dispatch supports the share of renewable energy, which contributes to carbon mitigation. The operational flexibility of Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) power plants is a crucial factor for reliable grid stability. To evaluate the limitations and capabilities of ISCC power plants and their control structures, dynamic simulation is a feasible method. In this study, a sophisticated dynamic process model of the ISCC power plant in Kuraymat, Egypt, has been developed using APROS software. The model describes the plant with a high level of detail including the solar field, the heat recovery steam generator, and the control structures. The model was implemented structurally identical to the reference plant and tuned using the operational design data. Actual measurements were used as the basis for the initialization and validation of the dynamic simulation environment. Dynamic analysis of four different days was performed, then the simulation results were presented and compared with actual measurements. The comparison showed that the course of the actual measurements could be predicted with high accuracy. The solar field influences and the system's overall power curves are reliably simulated. Consequently, the validated model can simulate the dynamic behavior of the ISCC power plant with a high degree of accuracy, and can be considered in future planning decisions.