Thermal and hydraulic characteristics of a large-scaled parabolic trough solar field (PTSF) under cloud passages

Abstract

To better understand the characteristics of a large-scaled parabolic trough solar field (PTSF) under cloud passages, a novel method which combines a closed-loop thermal hydraulic model (CLTHM) and cloud vector (CV) is developed. Besides, the CLTHM is established and validated based on a pilot plant. Moreover, some key parameters which are used to characterize a typical PTSF and CV are presented for further simulation. Furthermore, two sets of results simulated by the CLTHM are compared and discussed. One set deals with cloud passages by the CV, while the other by the traditionally distributed weather stations (DWSs). Because of considering the solar irradiance distribution in a more detailed and realistically way, compared with the distributed weather station (DWS) simulation, all essential parameters, such as the total flowrate, flow distribution, outlet temperature, thermal and exergetic efficiency, and exergetic destruction tend to be more precise and smoother in the CV simulation. For example, for the runner outlet temperature, which is the most crucial parameter for a running PTSF, the maximum relative error reaches −15% in the comparison. In addition, the mechanism of thermal and hydraulic unbalance caused by cloud passages are explained based on the simulation.