If GDY were to ever look at add on solar for their SA operation, the best place for it imo would be at the hot end of the Kalina cycle working fluid. If the temperature of the ammonia mixture were raised to 350C then almost all of the additional energy could be extracted by the turbines. This is because the efficiency of a heat engine increases with the temperature difference.
A concentrating solar reflector could be used to heat a salt mixture to the required temperature and enough molten salt stored to provide thermal reserve. Additionally, off peak power could be diverted from the system to supplement the solar heating. This off peak power would be available at night, the perfect time for boosting the thermal reserve.
As for variations in the pressure of the solar loop, I have learnt from my personal discussions with GDY that the primary fluid (brine) will be maintained as liquid and kept at high pressure. This will minimize the pumping energy needed to put the working fluid back down the hole as well as minimizing salt scaling. I personally think that salt scaling will be a problem anyway. Current geothermal power stations routinely deal with salt buildup in the heat exchangers so hopefully it won't be too much of an issue.
RNE Price at posting:
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