Abstract
Dynamic simulation provides an efficient approach for improving the efficiency of parabolic trough power plants and control circuits. In the dynamic simulation, the possibilities and operating conditions of the plant are evaluated regarding materials, processes, emissions, or economics. Several studies related to the dynamic simulation of the parabolic trough technology are summarised and discussed in this work. This study is the first research that presents a thorough description of the advanced control circuits used in the solar field and thermal storage system of a parabolic trough power plant. This power plant was implemented using advanced process simulation software (APROS). The dynamic model was built based on the real specifications of the power plant.
Highlights
Solar energy is one of the best renewable energy sources to meet the energy demand in countries with high solar irradiation
Among the few dynamic models in the literature, there is no updated work that discusses in detail the description of the advanced controllers used in the solar field (SF) and thermal storage system (TSS) of a parabolic trough power plant
A large number of works can be found regarding parabolic trough power plants; few studies focus on the dynamic behaviour of the secondary systems—e.g., the TSS, taking into account stable electrical power and capacitance factor enhancement
Summary
Solar energy is one of the best renewable energy sources to meet the energy demand in countries with high solar irradiation. Direct normal irradiation (DNI) is reflected by means of mirrors and concentrated on the absorbent surface, leading to a rise in the temperature of the absorbent surface [1,2] This concentrated solar radiation is transformed into thermal energy to heat a certain fluid, which can be used directly to generate renewable heat, or can be used for producing electricity. Among the few dynamic models in the literature, there is no updated work that discusses in detail the description of the advanced controllers used in the solar field (SF) and thermal storage system (TSS) of a parabolic trough power plant. Hakkarainen et al [10] implemented two different DSG solar fields using advanced process simulation software These models are used to simulate and to optimise thermal energy storage operations. The main objective of this research is to provide a useful reference tool for researchers regarding advanced control circuits for parabolic trough power plants
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