Mellouli, Sofieneغزواني, ناصر محمد ناصر2025-07-192025https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14154/75889This research presents a comprehensive technical and economic assessment of three molten salt-based Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies—Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC), Solar Tower Power Plant (STPP), and Linear Fresnel System (LFS)—under high-DNI conditions in the Jazan region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The simulations were conducted using the System Advisor Model (SAM), developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), applying unified design parameters: Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) of 850 W/m², gross power output of 100 MW, a solar multiple (SM) of 2.0, 6 hours of thermal energy storage (TES), and an evaporative condenser as the cooling system. The analysis focused on key performance dimensions including field incident thermal power, power cycle electrical output, TES charging and discharging behavior, and annual AC energy output. Additionally, sensitivity evaluations were performed to assess the impact of varying TES duration and solar multiple on the levelized cost of Electricity (LCOE). Results indicate that STPP achieved the best overall performance, reaching a minimum LCOE of approximately 9.37 ¢/kWh at SM values of 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5, and TES = 8 hours, owing to its high optical efficiency, direct molten salt storage, and extended discharge capability. PTC demonstrated reliable performance and commercial maturity, with the lowest LCOE of ~ 10.96 ¢/kWh at SM = 3 and TES = 8 hours. In contrast, LFS showed consistently higher LCOE, with a best-case value of ~13.17 ¢/kWh at SM = 3.5 and TES = 10 hours, due to lower thermal efficiency and less effective TES integration. These findings support the deployment of STPP as the most cost-effective and technically robust CSP solution for Jazan, particularly for evening peak demand. PTC remains a strong alternative for medium-scale or cost-sensitive applications, while LFS may be better suited for industrial heat or hybrid configurations unless further technological improvements are introduced.This research presents a comprehensive technical and economic assessment of three molten salt-based Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies—Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC), Solar Tower Power Plant (STPP), and Linear Fresnel System (LFS)—under high-DNI conditions in the Jazan region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The simulations were conducted using the System Advisor Model (SAM), developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), applying unified design parameters: Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) of 850 W/m², gross power output of 100 MW, a solar multiple (SM) of 2.0, 6 hours of thermal energy storage (TES), and an evaporative condenser as the cooling system. The analysis focused on key performance dimensions including field incident thermal power, power cycle electrical output, TES charging and discharging behavior, and annual AC energy output. Additionally, sensitivity evaluations were performed to assess the impact of varying TES duration and solar multiple on the levelized cost of Electricity (LCOE). Results indicate that STPP achieved the best overall performance, reaching a minimum LCOE of approximately 9.37 ¢/kWh at SM values of 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5, and TES = 8 hours, owing to its high optical efficiency, direct molten salt storage, and extended discharge capability. PTC demonstrated reliable performance and commercial maturity, with the lowest LCOE of ~ 10.96 ¢/kWh at SM = 3 and TES = 8 hours. In contrast, LFS showed consistently higher LCOE, with a best-case value of ~13.17 ¢/kWh at SM = 3.5 and TES = 10 hours, due to lower thermal efficiency and less effective TES integration. These findings support the deployment of STPP as the most cost-effective and technically robust CSP solution for Jazan, particularly for evening peak demand. PTC remains a strong alternative for medium-scale or cost-sensitive applications, while LFS may be better suited for industrial heat or hybrid configurations unless further technological improvements are introduced.71enCONCENTRATEDThesis