Solar thermal aided power generation

Fossil fuel based power generation is and will still be the backbone of our world economy, albeit such form of power generation significantly contributes to global CO2 emissions. Solar energy is a clean, environmentally friendly energy source for power generation; however, solar photovoltaic electricity generation is not practical for large commercial scales due to its cost and high-tech nature. Solar thermal is an alternative for harnessing solar energy to generate power. This paper explores the concept of solar aided power generation in conventional coal-fired power stations by integrating solar thermal energy to conventional fossil fuelled power generation cycles, promoting a more efficient means of power generation. The solar aided power generation (SAPG) method combines the advantages of traditional regenerative Rankine cycles with solar heating at relatively low temperatures, thereby enhancing the efficiency of conventional power stations while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study demonstrates that SAPG not only increases the overall performance of power stations but also provides a sustainable approach to utilizing solar heat for energy generation. This paper outlines the conceptual advantages of implementing the SAPG strategy in existing power generation frameworks.