Harnessing solar power in industry: Heuristic optimisation design and transient thermal modelling of parabolic trough solar collector networks

Abstract

This study presents the development of a transient model for designing and optimising parabolic trough solar thermal plants for industrial processes. The model is validated against published experimental data and other models from the literature. A heuristic optimization methodology based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to maximise the Present Value of the Life Cycle Energy Savings (PVLCES) is employed. This methodology is applied to three case studies. The results highlight the versatility of PTC (parabolic trough collector) technology in handling a wide range of temperatures. Additionally, the study reveals the optimal PTC aperture width dimensions that maximise the capture of solar thermal energy while increasing the solar fraction. Specifically: For low-temperature processes, the optimum aperture width is 5.0 m; in medium-temperature processes, the optimum aperture width increases to 5.5 m; for high-temperature applications, the optimal value is 5.8 m. Finally, the optimised networks achieve the following heat load-to-area ratios: Low-temperature applications: 0.57 kW/m²; medium-temperature applications: 0.58 kW/m²; high-temperature applications: 0.6 kW/m².