Can solar energy revolutionize gas turbine systems? This research explores the potential of solar-hybrid gas turbine technology to significantly reduce costs in power generation. The study focuses on pressurized volumetric air receivers that heat compressed air before it enters the gas turbine combustor, offering a promising avenue for renewable energy integration. Experiments at the Plataforma Solar de Almería in Spain tested a receiver module and achieved air exit temperatures of up to 815°C with power levels of 410 kW. A new, more efficient secondary concentrator was designed using cost-effective manufacturing techniques, showing an efficiency increase of approximately 10%. Solar **power tower systems** such as these are being examined as a promising technology to improve **solar energy** collection and transfer. The findings confirm the technology's potential for competitiveness in specific power markets, with a comparison presented between a 30 MW solar-hybrid combined cycle plant and an ISCCS power plant. The study concludes by discussing future developments aimed at system improvement and further cost reduction, emphasizing the need for innovation in **renewable energy** sources and technologies.
Published in the _Journal of Solar Energy Engineering_, this paper aligns with the journal's focus on renewable energy technologies and their integration into existing power systems. By exploring the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar-hybrid gas turbine cycles, the paper contributes to the journal's ongoing dialogue on advancing solar energy applications and promoting sustainable energy solutions. The paper's citation of previous works in solar thermal technology further emphasizes its connection to the journal's scope.