Techno-Economic Assessment of Solar Hybrid System With High-Temperature Heat Pump for Industrial Heat Generation

Solar thermal collectors, high-temperature heat pumps and thermal energy storage are key technologies for industrial decarbonization. The development and installation of these technologies represent a double benefit. First, by using renewable energy sources, it contributes to reducing fossil fuel consumption. Second, their integration can supply heat for industrial processes where other single renewable-based technologies, such as solar, can encounter limitations. This work presents the techno-economic assessment of a solar hybrid system using pressurized water as heat transfer fluid. The system is studied in the Greek electricity market considering prices of 2022. Dispatch strategies and system sizing are identified for optimal techno-economic performance. The main performance indicators investigated are the levelized cost of heat, the operational expenditure, and savings compared to traditional fossil-fuel solutions. The results highlight that the levelized cost of heat is as low as 98 €/MWh with operational cost savings of 23k €/y against traditional non-flexible gas boilers.