Methodology for an Opto-Geometric Optimization of a Linear Fresnel Reflector for Direct Steam Generation

Eduardo González-Mora,Ma Dolores Durán García

doi:10.3390/en13020355

Eduardo González-Mora, Ma Dolores Durán García

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/en13020355

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Journal: Energies	Publication Date: Jan 10, 2020
Citations: 15	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México

Abstract

A methodology for an optical optimization of the intercept factor concerning a linear Fresnel reflector is described to increase the amount of solar irradiation that will be delivered in the absorber for Agua Prieta, Sonora; taking the FRESDEMO’s Fresnel field as the reference design. For the performed optimization, the intercept factor is determined as a function of the receiver’s height, establishing a simple criterion for the optimization. The FRESDEMO’s field description is determined and briefly discussed, next compared with the proposed optimization. The compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) Winston function for a circular absorber is modified to relocate the cusp of the reflector and the absorber. This modified CPC will redirect all the reflected rays that do not hit directly the absorber, as in the FRESDEMO field, so all of them are captured by the absorber. Through ray-tracing, the graphic flux distribution in the receiver aperture is conceived. This flux distribution is compared with the FRESDEMO field and with a PTC with a flat absorber, ensuring an adequate optimization regarding the intercept factor. The result of the opto-geometric optimization is compared between the FRESDEMO and the optimized field for a specified thermal process, addressing a considerable reduction in the length of the loops.

Highlights

Concentrated solar power plants (CSP), are an alternative to produce electricity against non-renewable energy sources such as oil, coal, and nuclear energy
There are no optimizations in the intercept factor for the typical fields to be analyzed (FRESDEMO, PUERTO ERRADO, etc.), this is developed in the present work considering the FRESDEMO field as the starting point for optimization since it is a field that has proven to be technically operational for the DSG
compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) have have been been modified in thethe angular window is increased by 10by, which provides beneficial results modified in such suchaaway waythat that angular window is increased

Summary

Introduction

Concentrated solar power plants (CSP), are an alternative to produce electricity against non-renewable energy sources such as oil, coal, and nuclear energy. CSP plants concentrate the solar rays to heat a working fluid that runs a thermodynamic power cycle, usually a steam Rankine cycle [1]. Notwithstanding, in recent years, Fresnel reflectors are among the most promising technologies to produce energy from concentrated solar radiation [3,4]; there has been an increasing interest in adopting Fresnel reflectors due to the low operating costs [5]. This interest has led to different studies discussing the opto-geometric parameters to be determined and optimized. There are no optimizations in the intercept factor for the typical fields to be analyzed (FRESDEMO, PUERTO ERRADO, etc.), this is developed in the present work considering the FRESDEMO field as the starting point for optimization since it is a field that has proven to be technically operational for the DSG

Methods

Results

Conclusion