Artículos (Ingeniería Energética)

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://hdl.handle.net/11441/11362

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Solar fuels based on the integration of food wastes and photovoltaic through energy storage
(Elsevier, 2026-06) Guisado Falante, José Manuel; Becerra Villanueva, José Antonio; Marques Valderrama, Abraham; Chacartegui, Ricardo; Ingeniería Energética; European Union (UE); Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Energy recovery from meat industry waste through the integration of solar energy could be the cornerstone of solving a serious global problem. In this regard, it is crucial to address the limitations of this waste and the challenges of transforming it into solarfuel. This manuscript presents different integrations based on commercial technologies, focusing on the integration of solar energy in a low-temperature digester for the dehydration and separation of fatty acids. In this regard, different systems are proposed depending on the level of solar energy integration, from the most basic system using photovoltaic electric heating to a 100% renewable system that integrates thermochemical storage based on calcium looping and biofuel feedback. The analysis of the systems has been carried out from an energy and economic perspective based on real data of waste and irradiation over an annual cycle, providing valuable information for future research on the dynamic behavior of the systems. The study demonstrates that the system integrating energy storage and biofuel feedback could generate 100% renewable fuel, achieving NER values between 4.5 and 8 depending on the waste managed, and a solar-to-fuel performance of up to 44%, exceeding current levels. The integration of well-established technologies also leads to competitive economic values, achieving LCOE values of up to €62/MWh, demonstrating independence from the fuel market. In addition, combustion tests have been carried out that support the integration of the generated solarfuel for industrial heat generation with minor modifications, leading to promising results in terms of efficiency and sustainability.
A methodological framework and computational tool for adaptive predicted mean vote setpoints in EnergyPlus building simulations
(Elsevier, 2026-02) Sánchez-García, Daniel; Bienvenido-Huertas, David; Cerezo-Narváez, Alberto; Delgado Guerrero, M. Carmen; Sánchez Ramos, José; Ingeniería Energética; European Commission (EC); TEP143: Termotecnia
The Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index is a widely recognized tool for designing and regulating indoor environments, but it has notable limitations, particularly in estimating comfort levels in spaces without active air conditioning. To address these challenges, the Adaptive Predicted Mean Vote (aPMV) was developed. Despite its potential, aPMV has not been incorporated into widely used simulation platforms like EnergyPlus. This study presents a novel methodology and a Python-based tool for integrating aPMV into EnergyPlus models, enabling the adjustment of heating and cooling setpoints based on aPMV rather than PMV. The proposed method is applied to a calibrated office building model, demonstrating that with an adaptive coefficient of 0.293, the heating and cooling setpoints can be adjusted to −0.59 and 0.44, respectively. This adjustment results in only a 0.4 % increase in annual HVAC electricity consumption compared to conventional ±0.5 PMV setpoints. The broader parametric analysis corroborates these results, demonstrating minimal variations in energy consumption across adaptive coefficients and confirming the robustness of the approach in diverse climatic conditions. Key advantages of this tool include its high customizability and compatibility with other Python-based energy simulation libraries, making it a versatile addition to building performance analysis. An example is available at: https://accim.readthedocs.io/en/v0.7.6/jupyter_notebooks/example_apmv_setpoints_paper/using_apmv_setpoints.html
Life cycle assessment of concentrated solar power plants using a molten salt electric heater to increase thermal energy storage
(Elsevier, 2026-03) Palmero González, M.A.; Batuecas, E.; Marugán-Cruz, C.; Prieto Ríos, Cristina; Ingeniería Energética; European Union (UE)
This study evaluates the environmental and techno-economic performance of a 110 MW central tower Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant with molten salt Thermal Energy Storage (TES) under three configurations (6, 9, and 12 h of storage) and two operational scenarios: (i) integration of a molten salt electric heater (MSEH) powered by curtailed photovoltaic (PV) energy, and (ii) MSEH integration combined with expanded TES capacity to fully utilize surplus PV electricity. The work introduces a novel consequential-Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)-based framework to quantify the environmental effects of integrating curtailed PV into CSP TES. Using LCA, the study quantifies the impacts of the proposed configurations on four environmental impact categories: climate change, particulate matter, ozone depletion, and land use. The results show that enhancing the TES through MSEH integration improves plant dispatchability, increases annual electricity output by up to 6.2 %, reduces parasitic standby losses, and leads to better overall environmental performance. Among the configurations, the combined MSEH and expanded TES option achieved the best performance, reducing life-cycle burdens by up to 10 %. The Energy Payback Time remained below 1.25 years, while the Energy Return on Investment exceeded 20, confirming high system efficiency. Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) analysis also indicates economic gains. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of curtailed PV as a complementary resource for dispatchable CSP systems and provides insights applicable to future hybrid renewable designs in high-penetration solar regions.
Understanding failure in austenitic steels: Key considerations for molten salt storage in CSP applications
(Elsevier, 2026-03) Ardila-Parra, Sergio Andrés; Prieto Ríos, Cristina; Osorio, Julián D.; Fernández, Ana Inés; Ingeniería Energética; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); European Union (UE)
Owing to their excellent properties, austenitic stainless steels are extensively used in boilers, furnaces, molten salt tanks, and other applications that are subjected to extreme mechanical loads and high-temperature conditions. Their high corrosion and creep resistance make them suitable for high-temperature operating environments. Additionally, good fatigue resistance and favorable mechanical and visual properties are essential. However, the premature failure of several components at elevated temperatures has been previously reported. Although the failure analysis of components in service is complex, processes such as cold work and welding have been identified as contributing factors to the performance degradation of these steels. This study aims to analyze the various documented failure modes and mechanisms in austenitic steels, including creep, cracking, stress relaxation cracking, and fatigue, to better understand the multi-objective design requirements for these alloys as structural materials for high-temperature molten salt tanks in Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants. Stabilized austenitic grades, such as AISI 347H, demonstrate superior resistance to creep and corrosion-related degradation when compared to non-stabilized grades like AISI 316L at temperatures relevant to concentrated solar power (CSP) applications. In contrast, nickel-based alloys offer enhanced corrosion resistance, albeit at a higher cost. This review underscores that creep, stress relaxation cracking, and thermo-mechanical fatigue are the predominant long-term failure risks in CSP hot tanks.
Control strategies for alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production: a comprehensive review and future perspectives
(Elsevier, 2026-02) Dong, Zihang; Shen, Xiaojun; Wei, Li; Iranzo Paricio, José Alfredo; León Galván, José Ignacio; Ingeniería Energética; Ingeniería Electrónica; Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai
Driven by the global energy transition and carbon neutrality targets, alkaline water electrolysis has emerged as a key technology for coupling variable renewable generation with clean hydrogen production, offering considerable potential for absorbing surplus power and enhancing grid flexibility. However, conventional control architectures typically treat the power converter and electrolyzer as independent units, neglecting their dynamic interactions and thereby limiting overall system performance under practical operating conditions. This review critically examines existing control approaches, ranging from classical proportional-integral schemes to model predictive control, fuzzy-logic algorithms, and data-driven methods, evaluating their effectiveness in managing dynamic response, multivariable coupling, and operational constraints as well as their inherent limitations. Attention is then focused on the performance requirements of the hydrogen-production converter, including current ripple suppression, rapid transient response, adaptive thermal regulation, and stable power delivery. An integrated co‑control framework is proposed, aligning converter output with electrolyzer demand across steady-state operation, variable renewable input, and emergency shutdown scenarios to achieve higher efficiency, extended equipment lifetime, and enhanced operational safety. Finally, prospects for advancing unified control methodologies are outlined, with emphasis on constraint-aware predictive control, machine-learning-enhanced modeling, and real‑time co‑optimization for future alkaline electrolyzer systems.
Performance benchmark of thermal energy storage concepts in concentrating solar power
(Elsevier, 2026-02) Tagle-Salazar, Pablo D.; Cabeza, Luisa F.; Prieto Ríos, Cristina; Ingeniería Energética; European Union (UE); Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Thermal energy storage (TES) plays a critical role in enhancing the efficiency and dispatchability of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants by mitigating solar energy intermittency. Although molten salts remain the dominant TES solution, alternative systems such as solid-state and latent heat storage offer promising advantages. This study analyses the performance impact of different TES technologies—two-tank molten salt, concrete-based storage, and phase change materials (PCMs)—when integrated into CSP systems. By comparing key performance indicators under identical operating conditions, this study provides insights into the suitability of each TES technology for CSP plant operations. The results highlight the trade-offs between energy yield, efficiency, and footprint. All three concepts demonstrated comparable performance at both the system and TES levels, with disparities of less than 3 %. The advantage of PCM lies in its substantial volume reduction of approximately 27 % compared to molten salt, whereas concrete TES achieves similar outcomes with a slight increase in volume relative to molten salt TES volume.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Expansion Trains in CAES: Incorporating Organic Rankine Cycles for Improved Efficiency
(The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2026-08) Rodríguez de Arriba, Pablo Enrique; Baigorri, Javier; Crespi, Francesco Maria; Zaversky, Fritz; Sánchez Martínez, David Tomás; Ingeniería Energética; European Union (UE)
This paper focuses on the expansion train designed for the compressed air energy storage (CAES) concept under development in the EU-funded ASTERIx-CAESar project. The system integrates concentrated solar thermal energy from a high-temperature (800 °C) volumetric central-receiver into a hybrid storage configuration, combining low-temperature thermal energy storage (LT-TES) with compressed air storage (CAS) and high-temperature thermal energy storage (HT-TES). Electricity from the grid powers compressors during low-price periods, storing compressed air and recovering compression heat in LT-TES. Solar heat is stored in HT-TES. During discharge, preheaters and reheaters supply stored energy to the expansion train. Residual energy in the exhaust of the low-pressure turbine reduces round-trip efficiency; therefore, a bottoming waste heat recovery unit based on organic Rankine cycle (ORC) technology is assessed. Multiple air-cooled configurations are modeled for expander exit temperatures (EET) of 300–600 °C, using organic fluids and steam in subcritical, transcritical, and supercritical layouts. Scale effects on expander type (screw or axial) and isentropic efficiency are considered for capacities from 1 to 100 MWe. A multi-objective optimization of the bottoming cycle considers technical and economic aspects to maximize efficiency and heat recovery by adjusting vapor generator pressure/temperature. A global optimization of the expansion train identifies the optimal cycle configuration for each EET and scale, integrating the waste heat recovery system with a two-stage turbine. Recommendations to improve CAES system efficiency are provided.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of (C12H25NH3)2MnCl4 Layered Perovskite: A Fast, Reliable, and Scalable Route for Solid–Solid Thermal Energy Storage Applications
(ACS Publications, 2025-12) Mirahmad, Ali; Shankar Kumar, Ravi; Pato Doldán, Breogán; Prieto Ríos, Cristina; Oliveira, Mónica S.A.; Díez-Sierra, Javier; Ingeniería Energética; European Union (UE)
Solid–solid Phase Change Materials (PCMs) offer key advantages over solid–liquid systems, including improved thermal conductivity, stability, and safety. Among these, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite compounds are particularly promising for thermal energy storage applications due to their competitive energy density and tunable phase transitions. However, their synthesis is typically time-consuming and difficult to scale. This study introduces microwave-assisted (MWA) synthesis as a rapid and scalable approach to prepare bis(dodecylammonium) tetrachloromanganate [(C12H25NH3)2MnCl4], marking its first application to this material class. Compared to conventional solvothermal (ST) synthesis, the MWA method reduced reaction time by 75%, increased phase transition enthalpy by 7.9%, and delayed complete thermal breakdown by 20 °C. Characterization using XRD, FTIR, DSC, and TGA confirmed enhanced crystallinity and thermal performance. Additionally, the material was directly compacted into mechanically stable pellets by pressure sintering (PS), without the need for binders, enabling practical applications such as integration into thermal storage modules. These findings support a sustainable and scalable route for fabricating (C12H25NH3)2MnCl4 as a high-performance solid–solid PCM for thermal energy storage.
Dynamic corrosion behaviour of stainless steel in molten salt electric heaters: Influence of film temperature under realistic flow conditions
(Elsevier, 2026-04) Pavón-Moreno, M. Carmen; López, Antonio; Paúl Escolano, Antonio; Gallardo Fuentes, José María; Prieto Ríos, Cristina; Ingeniería Energética; Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales y del Transporte; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)
Thermal energy storage systems using molten salts are increasingly integrated into power-to-heat (P2H) technologies to support industrial decarbonization and enhance grid flexibility. However, the long-term stability and reliability of molten salt electric heaters are limited by corrosion phenomena driven by high film temperatures and dynamic flow conditions. This study presents the development of a high-temperature dynamic test loop designed to replicate the operational environment of molten salt-based electric heaters, with a focus on evaluating corrosion mechanisms under realistic flow, temperature, and thermal boundary layer conditions. As a demonstration, SS321 was exposed to ternary Hitec salt (KNO3 –NaNO2 –NaNO3) at bulk temperatures of 400 °C and localized film temperatures up to 530 °C for 1000 h under continuous flow. Microstructural and chemical analyses revealed excellent corrosion resistance, characterized by the formation of a dense and adherent oxide layer (∼4 μm). Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Raman microscopy confirmed the salt's eutectic composition remained stable. These results indicate that controlled film temperatures, optimized flow, and short residence times effectively mitigate degradation, validating the system design and operational strategy. The findings provide guidance for predictive corrosion modelling, material selection, and the development of durable P2H systems for industrial decarbonization.
Influence of helical coil geometry and carbon nanotube additives on the thermal performance of shell-and- helical coiled tube latent heat storage systems
(Elsevier, 2026-04) Al-Saaidi, Hussein Alawai Ibrahim; Prieto Ríos, Cristina; Ingeniería Energética; European Union (UE)
The shell-and-helical-coil latent heat storage (LHS) unit filled with phase change material (PCM) offers high energy density and excellent charging/discharging capability for a wide range of temperatures. However, its thermal performance is often limited by suboptimal geometric configurations and the low thermal conductivity of PCMs. In this study, a three-dimensional CFD model was developed to evaluate the influence of helical coil diameter (60, 80, and 100 mm), multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) concentration (0.04, 0.06, and 0.08 wt%), and heat transfer fluid (HTF) inlet temperature (70, 75, and 80 °C) on the melting and solidification behaviour of paraffin wax in an SHT-LHS system. The model was validated against experimental results from the literature and showed good agreement. Temperature distribution, liquid fraction evolution, and stored/released energy were analysed. Results demonstrate that coil diameter, HTF temperature, and nanoparticle loading significantly affect melting/solidification rates. The optimal geometry and nanoparticle concentration were found at a coil-to-shell diameter ratio of 0.66 and 0.06 wt% MWCNT. At 80 °C inlet temperature, the melting time decreased by 10% and 34% compared with 75 °C and 70 °C, respectively. The maximum stored and released energy reached 476.22 kJ and 483.9 kJ for melting at 80 °C and solidification at 16 °C.
Parallel review of windage losses in axial turbines running on steam and supercritical Carbon Dioxide at low load: Causes, drivers and effects
(Elsevier, 2026-02) Constantinidis, Adonis; González-Almenara, Rafael; Glos, Stefan; Sánchez Martínez, David Tomás; Ingeniería Energética; European Union (UE)
The windage effect in steam turbines operating under low-load conditions is a critical phenomenon that can lead to excessive heating, reduced efficiency, and compromised mechanical integrity. This study aims to review the state of the art of the low load windage effect and to develop a physical understanding of the phenomenon, given the increasing relevance of supercritical CO2 turbine technology, particularly due to its potential to provide operational flexibility in the electricity grid in a clean, efficient, and compact manner. The paper begins with a review of the physical fundamentals and classifications of windage losses in turbomachinery, including losses in labyrinth seals, rotor-stator cavities, and shaft-casing gaps. Special attention is given to the low-load regime, discussing its triggering mechanisms, development, and consequences as reported in the literature. Key design parameters influencing windage losses are studied, such as shape of the vane passages, blade height, pitch-to-chord ratio, number of guide and rotor blades, tip clearance, flow coefficient, exhaust size and axial length between rotor and stator blades. A comparative case study is then presented, involving the design, low-load simulations and analytical analyses of HP steam and sCO2 turbines in a non-reheat cycle configuration. The results indicate that the HP steam turbine exhibits a better performance, while the sCO2 turbine shows greater overheating and ventilation power, even reaching negative power output under very low load conditions. Moreover, a thermodynamic analysis based on heat transfer coefficients is complemented with an engineering-oriented evaluation to estimate the thermal load distribution across turbine components. Supercritical CO2 turbine presents a ≃ 21 times higher heat transfer coefficient than steam’s, and a larger convective capacity of two orders of magnitude difference, where blades show up as the most critical component. These findings highlight the importance of further research into the windage behaviour of sCO2 turbines, particularly as this technology advances towards commercial application.
Effect of passing clouds on the dynamic performance of a CSP tower receiver with molten salt heat storage
(Elsevier, 2018-11) Crespi, Francesco Maria; Toscani, Andrea; Zani, Paolo; Sánchez Martínez, David Tomás; Manzolini, Giampaolo; Ingeniería Energética
The present paper explores the off-design performance of a CSP tower receiver due to the passage of clouds over the solar field. A quasi steady-state performance model is considered in the first part of the paper, accounting for the optical performance of the solar field and receiver only, yielding the expected incoming heat flux distribution on the aperture plane of the receiver and without further considerations about the thermal performance of the receiver itself. The twofold aim of this analysis is to identify the type of cloud that brings about the worst operating conditions of the receiver and to define an aiming strategy that produces the most homogeneous distribution of the incoming heat flux, this being a indirect metric of reduced thermal stress on this component. It is observed that larger clouds have a more negative impact on the heat flux distribution whereas the effect of smaller clouds is easily compensated for by other uncovered areas of the field. Large differences in performance arise when considering different aiming strategies, what leads to the selection of one of these as the optimum one given that it manages to evenly distribute the heat flux over the receiver surface. This limits the number and intensity of hot spots without affecting the overall power production. The optimum strategy is based on pointing the heliostats towards different aiming spots strategically located on the receiver surface, depending on the distance between tower and heliostat. The second part of the paper presents an in-house code developed to study the transient thermal performance of the receiver. The outcome of this second analysis confirms the results of the previous optical study: the selected optimum strategy leads to a 1% higher efficiency of the receiver. Also, the temperature distribution of the larger shadows is more harmful than when several smaller clouds pass over the solar field, both for the larger temperature gradients in the receiver and for the production of molten salts. This is also confirmed in the last part of the paper where different patterns of combined cloud passages are explored in regards to the charge/discharge process of the thermal energy storage system.
Supercritical carbon dioxide cycles for power generation: A review
(Elsevier, 2017-06) Crespi, Francesco Maria; Gavagnin, Giacomo; Sánchez Martínez, David Tomás; Sanchez Martinez, Gonzalo; Ingeniería Energética
Power cycles running on carbon dioxide at supercritical pressure and temperature were introduced in the late ninety-sixties but, after a warm welcome to the theoretical performance announced, they were later abandoned in favour of standard combustion gas turbines. Nevertheless, the technology was brought forward about a decade ago and has since captured significant attention from the scientific and industrial community. The number of publications has risen exponentially and there are several experimental projects under development today. The performances of these cycles have been deeply analysed in literature, proving to be theoretically competitive. This paper reviews all the works published in the topic to date. Different cycle concepts (stand-alone and in combination with other cycles using the same or different technologies), layouts, fuels, applications (power only or combined heat and power) and operating conditions are reviewed and categorised according to the configuration of the cycle. This latter feature is thought to be an interesting added value of this paper since, rather than just listing the past work in the area of sCO2 power cycles, it also organises the numerous cycles in different categories and provides a comparison of the claimed performance of each one of them. This comparison between the performances of the various configurations is based on the values declared in the original papers and thus applies to very different boundary conditions. Obviously, this great heterogeneity of the available data (in particular the temperatures and pressures considered) makes it impossible to establish a fair comparison between the configurations reviewed. Therefore, a future study seems to be mandatory where the performances of all cycles should be compared for the same set of operating conditions.
A thermo-economic methodology to select sCO2 power cycles for CSP applications
(Elsevier, 2020-03) Crespi, Francesco Maria; Sánchez Martínez, David Tomás; Rodríguez, José María; Gavagnin, Giacomo; Ingeniería Energética
The interest in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (sCO2) power cycles has grown exponentially in the last decade, thanks to distinctive features like the possibility to achieve high thermal efficiencies at intermediate temperature, small footprint and adaptability to a wide variety of energy sources. In the present work, the potential of this technology is studied for Concentrated Solar Power applications, in particular Solar Tower systems with Thermal Energy Storage. Further to a previous thorough sensitivity analysis of twelve sCO2 cycles assessing the impact of turbine inlet temperature and pressure ratio on thermal efficiency, specific work, solar share and temperature rise across the solar receiver, the present paper investigates the features of two of these cycles in more detail. The most important conclusions of this section are that: a) the peak values of these thermodynamic figures of merit are obtained at different pressure ratios; b) specific work and temperature rise across the receiver seem to follow parallel trends whilst this is not the case for thermal efficiency; c) for a given turbine inlet temperature, higher pressure ratios increase the temperature rise across the receiver strongly, but the effect on thermal efficiency is uncertain as this can either increase or decrease, depending on the cycle considered. A deeper analysis of thermal efficiency and receiver temperature rise is therefore mandatory, given that these parameters have a very strong effect on the capital cost of CSP power plants. On one hand, a higher thermal efficiency implies a smaller solar field, the largest contributor to the plant capital cost; on the other, the temperature rise across the receiver is inversely proportional to the size of the thermal energy storage systems, as it is also the case for state of the art steam turbine based CSP plants. In order to quantify these trends, an economic analysis is developed using an in-house code and the open-source software System Advisor Model to evaluate the trade-offs between these two effects. As a result, the Overnight Capital Cost is estimated at some 5000 $/kW, with the individual contributions of solar field, thermal energy storage and power block being given in the paper.
Optimized combined cycle compressed air system for large-scale energy storage
(Elsevier, 2026-04) Ruiz del Olmo, F.; Ruiz Vincueria, Fernando; López Álvarez, José Antonio; López Lara, Germán; Lillo Bravo, Isidoro; Ingeniería Energética; European Union (UE)
Energy storage is a critical enabler for achieving a 100% renewable energy system, yet existing large-scale technologies suffer from limitations in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and environmental impact. This paper proposes an optimized isobaric adiabatic Combined Cycle Compressed Air Energy Storage concept that enhances system profitability and reliability. The proposed system, which stores air in a hard rock cavern — affordable due to operation at constant pressure — utilizes large-scale membranes filled with volatile CO2 as cushion fluid for compressed air, achieving the corresponding phase change through an innovative heat pump cycle, ensuring stable cavern pressure during air injection and extraction. Additionally, an advanced compressor without intercooling is used, which allows for higher power if thermal stresses can be managed, and hard-rock thermal energy storage is integrated to maximize efficiency. The article presents the conceptual design, a thermodynamic analytical model, and a parametric study, evaluating the system’s scalability and efficiency. A comparative techno-economic analysis is also conducted against existing energy storage technologies. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach offers a viable pathway to overcoming current CAES limitations while achieving higher round-trip efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Retrofitting parabolic trough CSP plants with PV and electric heaters for flexible dispatch and enhanced profitability
(Elsevier, 2026-05) López Álvarez, José Antonio; Larrañeta, Miguel; Lillo Bravo, Isidoro; Silva Pérez, Manuel Antonio; Ingeniería Energética; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; Junta de Andalucía; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)
This study evaluates the techno-economic viability of retrofitting Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants with Photovoltaics (PV) and Electric Thermal Energy Storage (eTES)—thermal storage charged via electric heaters—to enhance dispatchability and profitability under current market conditions. Using the dynamic tool ASDELSOL, a predictive control strategy combines daily solar-resource classification with hourly electricity-price segmentation. Three configurations are assessed: (1) CSP + PV; (2) CSP + PV with a direct electric heater to TES; and (3) CSP + PV with an electric heater feeding an auxiliary thermal tank. In Scenario 1, baseload operation is benchmarked against price-driven optimization; the latter raises Net Present Value (NPV) across all PV ratios, peaking at €36.86 M for 25% PV. Scenarios 2–3 are analyzed under economic optimization, quantifying the influence of heater sizing and auxiliary-tank volume. While these components increase operational flexibility, their added cost does not pay back within 12 years; extending the investment horizon shifts the optimum toward higher PV ratios and improves the appeal of more integrated layouts. Overall, CSP–PV retrofits operated with market-responsive control are cost-effective, and adding electric heaters plus auxiliary storage can yield additional value under favorable market and investment assumptions.
Economic Evaluation of a Concrete-Based Tank for Molten Salts in Concentrating Solar Power Plants
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2026-02) Ribezzo, Alessandro; Borri, Emiliano; Prieto Ríos, Cristina; Vérez, David; Cabeza, Luisa F.; Ingeniería Energética; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; Institución Catalana de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados (ICREA)
Advancements in concentrating solar power (CSP) plants are essential for the wider adoption of these technologies. Increasing the operating temperature of the plants is one of the most promising ways to achieve further cost reductions and performance improvements. In this context, progress in supporting components—such as molten salt tanks—is critical to enable these advancements. This study compares a novel molten salt tank based on a refractory concrete formulation with a conventional design made from 347H stainless steel over the period 2015–2025. The prices of refractory concrete and stainless steel were analyzed across the decade to estimate the costs of the corresponding TES tanks in 2015 and 2025. The results showed that, while the concrete-based tank was more expensive than the conventional tank in 2015, the situation reversed by 2025, with the conventional stainless steel solution becoming 11% more expensive than the refractory concrete alternative. Additionally, an analysis of the producer price indexes for both materials highlighted that concrete exhibited a more stable price trend compared to stainless steel, which was subject to greater intra- and inter-year fluctuations. Finally, a brief examination of the 347H stainless steel production chain identified key causes of price volatility, such as the high geographic concentration of its main raw material extraction sites worldwide.
Simultaneous optimization of water addition and exhaust gas recirculation in a hydrogen-fueled compression-ignition engine: Numerical and experimental analysis
(Elsevier, 2024-10) Rueda Vázquez, Juan Manuel; Serrano Reyes, Javier; Jiménez-Espadafor Aguilar, Francisco José; Dorado, M.P; Ingeniería Energética; Junta de Andalucía; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Due to escalating concerns surrounding climate change and its profound implications for human well-being, governments have enacted stringent emission regulations. The aim is to encourage the adoption of alternatives to fossil fuels. In this study, a compression ignition engine was adapted to run primarily on H2, using diesel fuel exclusively for ignition. The research focused on the effects of the simultaneous use of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and water injection (WI) on the control of NOx emissions, intake self-ignition and combustion knocking, for different engine operating conditions and various compression ratios (CR). Test results indicate that NOx emissions increased with the H2 fraction. However, when combining WI with EGR, a reduction of over 90% in NOx emissions was achieved, compared to the case of “No water/No EGR” for all CR conditions. The utilization of EGR also demonstrated a positive impact on engine efficiency, with improvements ranging from 5% to 8%. Overall, this study highlights the potential of WI and EGR as an effective strategy to reduce NOx emissions, while improving engine efficiency in hydrogen-fueled compression ignition engines.
Qualitative and quantitative determination of liquid water distribution in a PEM fuel cell
(Elsevier, 2024-01) Benkovic, D.; Fink, C.; Iranzo Paricio, José Alfredo; Ingeniería Energética
In this work, a numerical investigation of a PEM fuel cell with a five-serpentine flow field is conducted. The numerical model is first validated against the experimental polarization curve, obtaining values for reference exchange current density and cathode charge transfer coefficients for further simulations. The model validation is extended by qualitative and quantitative comparison of the water accumulation within the fuel cell, experimentally obtained with neutron imaging. More intense water accumulation is observed towards the channel outlet due to a progressive saturation of the gas flow with water vapor. Due to the gravity effect, the water mainly accumulates on the lower area of the fuel cell and a higher amount is present in blocks oriented upwards. The used numerical model considers the capillary pressure at the GDL/channel interface, showing to have a great impact on the liquid water thickness profile. Satisfying agreement between simulations and the experiment is achieved.
Preliminary assessment of innovative seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination powered by a hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) - Tidal range energy system
(Elsevier, 2020-03) Delgado Torres, Agustín; García Rodríguez, Lourdes; Jiménez del Moral, María; Ingeniería Energética; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)
This paper proposes an innovative desalination technology for sustainable off-grid systems taking advantage of complementary features of tidal range and solar PhotoVoltaic (PV) energies. According to the literature survey, this proposal has not been considered before. Since fresh water production can be easily stored, the key issue in designing SeaWater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination plants is to minimise the capital cost required per m3 of fresh water produced throughout the plant lifetime. In addition, water cost of renewable energy - driven desalination strongly depends on decisions concerning battery capacity and nominal power installed, thus hybrid systems play and important role in this regard. The energy analysis performed quantifies the temporal complementarity of tidal and solar resources in an exemplary case study of a semiarid plant location at Broome, Australia. An estimation of the yearly energy production profile of the tidal range power plant is calculated with a zero-dimensional numerical model whereas the System Advisor Model (SAM) is used for the solar PV plant. The main result obtained is the great temporary complementarity of tidal and solar photovoltaic resources for SWRO application. For a given size of the PV generator the inclusion of the tidal range power plant implies an increase of the operating time of the desalination plant at nominal capacity between 1.8 and 2.8 times compared to the only solar PV driven case. This result depends on the SWRO nominal capacity. The recommended design for the case study consists in off-grid desalination plants, with minimum battery capacity if any, powered by a hybrid energy system with a ratio of installed desalination capacities of 55·103 m3/d per each hydraulic turbine of 10 MW. This system can be operated at full load a 42% of the year maximizing the yearly fresh water production.

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