Abstract: Systems and methods of integrating solar energy into a Rankine cycle power generation system can enhance efficiency of the system. Solar heat can be collected in an array of solar heat collectors. The solar heat collectors can use solar energy to heat a single phase thermal transfer fluid, which can be circulated in a solar heat system. The solar heat system includes a closed loop working fluid heater fluidly coupled to the solar heat collectors that transfers heat energy from the thermal transfer fluid to a working fluid of the power generation system. Thus, the working fluid is preheated before it enters the boiler of the power generation system. The solar working fluid heater can be connected in a regeneration portion of the Rankine cycle downstream of other working fluid heaters, or upstream of at least one working fluid heater. The solar heat input can reduce the fuel consumption of the boiler.

Abstract: A method to integrate collected solar thermal energy into the feedwater system of a Rankine cycle power plant is disclosed. This novelty uses a closed loop, single phase fluid system to collect both the solar heat and to provide the heat input into the feedwater stream of a regenerative Rankine cycle. One embodiment of this method of integrating solar energy into a regenerative Rankine power plant cycle, such as a coal power plant, allows for automatic balancing of the steam extraction flows and does not change the temperature of the feedwater to the boiler. The concept, depending on the application, allows for the spare turbine capacity normally available in a coal plant to be used to produce incremental capacity and energy that is powered by solar thermal energy. By “piggybacking” on the available components and infrastructure of the host Rankine cycle power plant, considerable cost savings are achieved resulting in lower solar produced electricity costs.

Abstract: A combined cycle power generation system can be combined with a solar Rankine power generation system such that the integrated system has improved power generation efficiency over two stand-alone systems. Relatively high temperature, low pressure reheat from the combined cycle power generation system can be used, through, for example, a superheater, to raise the temperature and pressure of a working fluid in a solar Rankine power generation system. The resulting integrated system has enhanced efficiencies as compared with stand-alone systems.