Research

Research objectives – The research primarily focused on assessing the feasibility of concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies in terms of both technical and economic perspective for the purpose of large-scale grid connected power generation in Bangladesh from renewable and sustainable solar energy.

Research methodology – The methodology followed to conduct this research was deriving relevant modelling parameters from available literature and currently operating CSP plants around the world. On successful modelling of the CSP power plants, detailed simulation was carried out using System Advisor Model (SAM) software for evaluating their techno-economic viability in Bangladesh.

Research challenges – Main challenges faced during this research was collecting authentic and reliable data of modelling parameters and meaningful interpretation of thousands of simulation data.

Research findings – The research was able to prove the technical and economic feasibility of CSP based power plants in Bangladesh for large scale power generation. A comparative analysis carried out between different CSP based plants revealed parabolic trough collector (PTC) based plant is most suitable for Bangladesh followed by solar tower, linear Fresnel reflector (LFR) and dish Stirling technology.

Future research prospects – Further analysis can be carried out to conduct additional sensitivity analysis in order to better understand CSP technology’s possibilities in replacing the conventional fuels for energy generation in Bangladesh. Moreover, research on CSP technology’s impact on society, environment and current policies can be analyzed in future.