Evaluation of medium scale linear fresnel reflector CSP: A case study in North Queensland

Future distribution networks in Australia are likely to include large volume of medium scale concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. Like other renewable resources such as photovoltaic (PV) and wind, CSP has a variable output. To plan the power system´s reserves with variable generator like CSP, it is important to study the long term energy yield in detail. Moreover, the long term energy yield is the main contributing factor towards the feasibility of a CSP project in a particular geographical region. This study assessed the long term yield of a medium scale Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) CSP at Rockhampton, North Queensland, using climatic data covering thirteen years with an hourly resolution. A statistical model of CSP ramp events for best and worst yield year has been presented. Furthermore, the impact of this variable generation on distribution system voltage profile has been evaluated by time series analysis.