SERAPH Implementation Plans

Abstract

The Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) devotes a significant research effort to the application of solar technology in the industrial sector. It is well known that US industries consume a significant amount of energy, a large portion of which is required in a temperature range in which concentrating solar collectors work effectively. The SERAPH facility (Solar Energy Research and Applications in Process Heat) will provide at SERI the capability of addressing many of the technical issues that currently hamper industrial solar thermal energy system implementation. The primary building blocks of SERAPH are the solar delivery subsystem, control, and data acquisition subsystem (including sequencing and emergency supervision), energy distribution subsystem and two physical areas set aside for storage development and the introduction of load devices. Emphasis has been placed on creating a versatile test facility within which the solar industry can work with SERI in the development of solar systems that will be attractive to potential industrial users. SERAPH will have an initial capability of producing steam at a rate of 900 lb/h (410 kg/h) which corresponds to an energy delivery rate of 1.5 million Btu/h (1.6 x 10/sup 6/ kJ/h) at 430/sup 0/F (220/sup 0/C) with expansion capability to approximatelymore » 600/sup 0/F (315/sup 0/C). The initial system controls will be analog with supervisory and direct digital control to follow. The issues to be addressed at SERAPH will be computer predictive model validation and refinement, control strategy development, solar equipment evaluation, and the accumulation of operating and maintenance experience. A consistent theme throughout the planning and operation of SERAPH is the need to develop and follow practices that are consistent with conventional industrial operating procedures.« less