Techno-Economic Assessment of Dish/Stirling Concentrated Solar Power Systems in Saudi Arabia: New Path to Sustainability

This study presents a detailed numerical study and design optimization of a 25 kW concentrated solar power (CSP) system based on dish–Stirling power system (DSPS) technology for sustainable electricity production located in four different climatic sites in Saudi Arabia (Tabuk, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam). Multi-order lumped models via thermodynamic analyses, opto-geometric sizing, and cost estimations of different DSPS components have been developed for maximizing electrical power production while minimizing thermal heat losses of the solar receiver. A detailed parametric analysis is conducted to assess the influence of key design and operating variables, including DNI, wind speed, receiver operational temperature, and concentrator diameter, on thermal performance and power production. The designated DSPS at Tabuk shows an efficient approach to achieve a maximal power output of 28.50 kW (38.21 MWh annually) with a solar-to-electricity efficiency of 24.22%. The LCOE of the proposed DSPS varies by location, from 0.312 $/kWh in Tabuk to 0.416 $/kWh in Jeddah, showing Tabuk to be the most economically favorable site. These findings provide a design-based framework that offers technical guidance and a practical reference for applying distributed DSPSs.