The Ivanpah solar thermal power plant cost $2.2 billion to build. The gross plan

Question

The Ivanpah solar thermal power plant cost $2.2 billion to build. The gross plant electric output is 392 MW, and the net output is 377 MW. The planned capacity factor was 27.4%, but the actual capacity factor in 2016 was 20.5%. At best the plant thermal efficiency appears to be 18%. In addition, for the daily startup process, the solar plant also burned 1.3x1012 Btu of natural gas in 2016. The cost of natural gas in 2016 was about $2.5 per million Btu. Assuming a levelized annual fixed charge rate of 7%, determine (a) the capital cost (c/kWh) and (b) the fuel cost (e/k Wh) for the electricity in 2016.

Explanation / Answer

Given

Solar thermal power plant cost $2.2 billion

Electric output- 392 MW

Net output Capacity- 377MW

Capacity Factor- 27.4%

Actual capacity Factor-20.5%

Thermal effeciency- 18%

Solar fuel burned- 1.3x10^2 BTU of natural gas

Cost of natural gas 2016- $2.4/million

Annual fixed Charge- 7%

To find

A. Capacity cost

B. Fuel cost

Solution:

Net output capacity= 377MW

Average generation/day- 377x24x0.274(capacity factor)

-2479.152 mwh/day

Capital cost-

Fuel cost- 1.3x10^2 X $2.5

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