Dynamic Multi-configuration Model of a 145 MWe Concentrated Solar Power Plant with the ThermoSysPro Library (Tower Receiver, Molten Salt Storage and Steam Generator)

Abstract

Abstract Molten salt technology represents nowadays the most cost-effective technology for electricity generation for solar power plant. 0D/1D models are useful to check, validate and improve through simulation the energy performances of existing power plants. They are also used to find the best design that meets required economical criteria and the preparation of the acceptance test for commissioning of the power plant. A dynamic multi-configuration model of a concentrated solar power plant has been developed. The component model is meant to be used for power plant modeling with the ThermoSysPro library developed by EDF and released under open source license. The model is based on momentum and mass/energy conservation equations, as 1-dimensionnal (1D), partial differential equations. The model includes a water/steam cycle (economizer, evaporator, superheater, turbines, aerocondenser, water heaters, pumps, valves, tank, volumes and pipes), molten salt thermal storage system (temperature up to 565 °C with a capacity of 8 hours of electricity production without sunlight) and a cylindrical receiver. The distribution of the heat flux received by the receiver may be calculated by Tonatiuh tool (Ray Tracing tool). The primary aim of this study was to demonstrate the capability of said model to simulate the operating conditions of a solar power plant, and then the capability of the model to check the manufacturers design and targeted performances. In order to be able to answer to many different situations, we created some variables in some of the component model enabling to switch itself on or off. So (turbine stage, water heater, …), the same model can simulate several different plant configurations. This model (Modelica model, translate with Dymola) includes all typical configurations, thus enabling its use through a user-friendly Excel interface. With this interface, comparisons between various architectures according to given criteria and constraints are easy, thus helping the user to define the best design. This interface can be used by a non-specialist in modeling. Several transients are simulated, the objectives are: check the performances and the design (sizing of the components) given by the manufacturers, verify and validate by simulation the scenario of large transients and to reduce the uncertainty of the prediction on the yearly electricity production (simulation with yearly DNI).