Performance analysis of a novel integrated solar combined cycle with inlet air heating system

A combined cycle power plant with solar hybrid inlet air heating (CCPP-SIAH) system is proposed to enhance the space heat capacity in winter. The models of conventional CCPP system and the CCPP with inlet air heating system (CCPP-IAH) are validated by the designed values from the manufacturer. The part-load performance of proposed CCPP-SIAH is compared with the convention CCPP and the CCPP-IAH. Results show that both the systems of CCPP-IAH and CCPP-SIAH have higher overall power efficiency, lower fuel consumption rate and heat rate than convention CCPP system, however the CCPP-SIAH system shows highest overall thermal efficiency. Additionally, the proposed CCPP-SIAH contributes the largest primary energy saving ratio of 0.88% under the ΔT of 25 °C, the total thermal efficiency increases from 67.13% to 68.78% due to the solar energy utilized in the proposed system. Moreover, the TES can provide space heating energy of 5.89 MW under power load of 80%, which is less than that of 27.8 MW under the power load of 60%.