A., T., D., N., M., L., H., B. (2025). Thermodynamic analysis of small-scale CSP based on ORC systems compared with PV systems in North Africa zone. (Algeria as a case study). , 19(1), 98-109. doi: 10.30772/qjes.2025.156874.1486
Touil A.; Nehari D.; Laissaoui M.; Benzaama H.. "Thermodynamic analysis of small-scale CSP based on ORC systems compared with PV systems in North Africa zone. (Algeria as a case study)". , 19, 1, 2025, 98-109. doi: 10.30772/qjes.2025.156874.1486
A., T., D., N., M., L., H., B. (2025). 'Thermodynamic analysis of small-scale CSP based on ORC systems compared with PV systems in North Africa zone. (Algeria as a case study)', , 19(1), pp. 98-109. doi: 10.30772/qjes.2025.156874.1486
A., T., D., N., M., L., H., B. Thermodynamic analysis of small-scale CSP based on ORC systems compared with PV systems in North Africa zone. (Algeria as a case study). , 2025; 19(1): 98-109. doi: 10.30772/qjes.2025.156874.1486

Thermodynamic analysis of small-scale CSP based on ORC systems compared with PV systems in North Africa zone. (Algeria as a case study)

Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences
Volume 19, Issue 1, March 2026, Pages 98-109    PDF (9.46 M)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.30772/qjes.2025.156874.1486
Authors
Touil A.* 1, 2; Nehari D.3, 4; Laissaoui M.5; Benzaama H.6
1Ecole Nationale Polytechnique d’Oran, Algerie.
2Scientific and Technical Research Center on Arid Regions, CRSTRA, Biskra, Algeria.
3University Center of Ain T´emouchant, Algeria.
4Laboratory of Applied Hydrology and Environment, University of Ain Temouchent, Algeria.
5Centre de Developpement des Energies Renouvelables BP. 62 Route de l’Observatoire Bouzareah 16340 Alger, Algeria.
6National Polytechnic School of Oran, Algeria.
Abstract
This study presents a simulation of electricity generation systems utilizing solar energy, employing TRNSYS and EES software to address the energy needs of isolated areas in Algeria. Two solar energy systems were compared: the CSP-ORC and the Photovoltaic, analyzed across three regions: Adrar, Illizi, and El-Bayadh. The CSP-ORC system was enhanced by incorporating components for optimizing the operation of the pump within the ORC, as well as integrating a solar photovoltaic system with battery storage at a capacity of 50 kW. The estimated electrical power generated by the studied systems is approximately 1 MW. We compared the technical performance of a 1 MW s-ORC system with thermal energy storage against that of a solar photovoltaic system of the same capacity. This analysis underscores the viability of both CSP-ORC and PV systems for electricity generation in isolated arid regions of Algeria. However, the superior performance of the PV system, particularly during the winter months, suggests that while CSP-ORC systems are promising, they may require further enhancements or integrated solutions (such as hybrid systems) to improve output and reliability across all seasons. The economic analysis highlights the cost-effectiveness of PV systems, which have lower investment, maintenance costs, and LCOE than CSP-ORC. The lowest LCOE (0.0311 €/kWh) and fastest payback (3.62 years) were observed in Illizi for PV, while CSP-ORC had the highest LCOE in El-Bayadh. Environmentally, PV reduces 55.2 tons of CO2 emissions in Illizi, whereas CSP-ORC, generating more electricity, prevents 84 tons. Both systems significantly cut emissions compared to diesel generators. 
Keywords
Thermodynamic analysis; Concentrating solar power; Organic Rankine Cycle; Photovoltaic; North Africa; Algeria
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