PTTL – A Life-size Test Loop for Parabolic Trough Collectors

Abstract

The Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA), belonging to the Spanish Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), built in 1996 a parabolic trough test loop for testing a 50m long LS-3 collector under different operating conditions. After finishing the test campaign, the test loop continued its operation up to date. During the last fifteen years it was enlarged several times holding up to three different collectors connected in parallel. Along that time, it has been operating for testing 75m long half collectors prototypes as well as individual modules and the main components that conform a real loop, i.e. absorber tubes, mirrors, support structures, mobile connections or sun-tracking systems. Due to the technology development, the technical requirements and the increasing number of manufacturers, the test loop reached its maximum capacity. As a consequence it was decided to build a new test facility able to handle four complete collectors of commonly used dimensions, i.e. length of 150 m, or even bigger in an East – West oriented field as well as up to four real size collectors loops, as they are in a conventional power plant, in a second field North – South oriented. Both fields will be connected to a Balance Of Plant (BOP) where two independent pumping and cooling systems will feed the respective fields.A collaboration agreement named SolarNOVA was signed between the Spanish Administration and CIEMAT (Contract No. ICT-CEPU2009-0002) and, under its umbrella and the European Union FEDER program, some funds were devoted to the present project, called Parabolic Trough Test loop (PTTL).Earthworks and land preparations started early this year while the procurement already started in 2012. Since the mechanical works will start by the end of May it is expected that at the Conference time the BOP erection must be very advanced. The mounting end is foreseen by December 2013.