Water usage considerations and Capacity factor results.

Hello, I'm doing an university study about a CSP project using SAM and I would like to know if the water cost with evaporative refrigeration is considered in the "Variable operating cost, $/kWh (VOC)" for the LCOE calculation?
 
I also take the opportunity to ask about obtained capacity factors greater than 100% for solar multiple between 3-3,5 for turbine power between 20 and 400 MWe.

Many Thanks beforhand!

I take the opportunity to ask

Hi Alberto,

For information about CSP costs, please see the CSP Cost Data page of the SAM website: sam.nrel.gov/concentrating-solar-power/csp-cost-data.html

The default values in SAM are meant as a starting point for your analysis, so do not necessarily represent costs of an actual system.

The capacity factor is calculated as a function of the power cycle nameplate capacity. It is possible to achieve very high capacity factors with high solar multiples and an unrealistically low "Estimated gross to net conversion factor" or high design cycle thermal efficiency.

Best regards,
Paul.