Demonstration of Pilot Scale Large Aperture Parabolic Trough Organic Rankine Cycle Solar Thermal Power Plant in Louisiana

During the calendar year of 2012 the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in conjunction with CLECO Power LLC (CLECO) has constructed and commissioned a pilot scale parabolic trough solar thermal power plant for the first time in Louisiana. The large aperture trough (LAT) solar collectors were provided by Gossamer Space Frames and are coupled with an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) power block provided by ElectraTherm, Inc. for study of the feasibility of cost-effective commercial scale solar thermal power production in Louisiana. Supported by CLECO and providing power to the existing CLECO grid, the implementation of state-of-the-industry collector frames, mirrors, trackers, and ORC power block is studied under various local weather conditions which present varied operating regimes from existing solar thermal installations. The solar collectors provide a design output of 650 kWth and preliminary actual performance data from the system level is presented. The optimal size, configuration and location for such a plant in the given solar resource region are being studied in conjunction with CLECO’s search for optimal renewable energy solutions for the region. The pilot scale size of the facility and implementation of the simpler ORC allow remote operation of the facility and flexibility in operating parameters for optimization studies. The construction of the facility was supported by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Department of Energy, and CLECO. The continued operation of the plant is supported by CLECO Power LLC and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Modelling of Solar Thermal Power Plant Using Parabolic Trough Collector

The target of the National Solar Mission is to build up India as a worldwide pioneer in solar energy generation. Solar power can be transmitted through grid either from solar photovoltaic or solar thermal technology. As compared to solar photovoltaic, solar thermal installations are less studied, especially regarding energy estimation and performance analysis. For estimating the potential of CSP plants, it is planned to simulate a power plant. We have marginally modified the design of 1 MW operational power plant installed at Gurgaon using Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) technology. The results are compared with the expected output of Gurgaon power plant and also 50 MW power plant at Rajasthan. Our results have closely matched with a small deviation of 3.1% and 3.6% for Gurgaon and Rajasthan plants, respectively. Our developed model is also validated with 18 different solar power plants in different parts of the world by slightly modifying the parameters according to the plant capacity without changing major changes to the plant design. Difference between our results and the expected energy generation varied from 0.4% to 13.7% with an average deviation of 6.8%. As our results show less than 10% deviation as compared to the actual generation, an attempt has been made here to estimate the potential for the entire nation. For this modelling has been carried out for every grid station of 0.25° × 0.25° interval in India. Our results show that annual solar thermal power plant of 1 MWe capacity potential varies from 900 to 2700 MWh. We have also compared our results with previous studies and discussed.

Improving Heat Transfer in Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors by Magnetic Nanofluids

A parabolic trough solar collector(PTSC)converts solar radiation into thermal energy.However,low thermal efficiency of PTSC poses a hindrance to the deployment of solar thermal power plants.Thermal performance of PTSC is enhanced in this study by incorporating magnetic nanoparticles into the working fluid.The circular receiver pipe,with dimensions of 66 mm diameter,2 mm thickness,and 24 m length,is exposed to uniform temperature and velocity conditions.The working fluid,Therminol-66,is supplemented with Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles at concentrations ranging from 1%to 4%.The findings demonstrate that the inclusion of nanoparticles increases the convective heat transfer coefficient(HTC)of the PTSC,with higher nanoparticle volume fractions leading to greater heat transfer but increased pressure drop.The thermal enhancement factor(TEF)of the PTSC is positively affected by the volume fraction of nanoparticles,both with and without a magnetic field.Notably,the scenario with a 4%nanoparticle volume fraction and a magnetic field strength of 250 G exhibits the highest TEF,indicating superior thermal performance.These findings offer potential avenues for improving the efficiency of PTSCs in solar thermal plants by introducing magnetic nanoparticles into the working fluid.

Design and Development of a Parabolic Trough Solar Air Heater for a Greenhouse Dryer

Design and Development of a Parabolic Trough Solar Air Heater (PTSAH) for a Greenhouse Dryer (GD) was done to improve the dryer’s performance. The materials used for the fabrication of the PTSAH included galvanized sheets covered with aluminium foil, an absorber tube made of GI pipe painted matt black to increase heat absorbance at the focal line, mild steel square tubes, shutter plywood, and an axial fan to push air through the absorber tube. Key geometrical parameters used for the design of the PTSAH were a rim angle of 98 degrees, focal length of 0.2608 m, height of 0.3451 m, length of 2 m, and an aperture width of 1.2 m. The PTSAH’s total aperture surface area was 2.4 m2, while its absorber tube surface area was 0.1587 m2. The PTSAH was experimentally tested to establish its thermal performance. It was found that the ambient air recorded an average value of 31.1˚C and that the air heater could increase the air temperature by 45.6˚C above ambient with a thermal efficiency of 5.3%. It can, therefore, be concluded that the PTSAH can significantly improve the performance of a GD by supplying the GD with air at a higher temperature than ambient.

Numerical Model and Performance Validation of a Small-Scale Concentrating Solar Thermal Power Plant in Louisiana

A simplified numerical model of a small-scale (25 - 100 kWe) parabolic concentrating solar power (CSP) plant is presented that can be utilized during the planning stages for a CSP plant, utilizing only simplified information that would be available at the preliminary stages of a project. This is important because existing models currently used for planning purposes, such as the System Advisor Model (SAM) from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), do not cover small-scale CSP plants. The model can be used to predict real-time performance, or it can be used with TMY data to estimate annual performance. The model was validated using performance data from an operating small-scale CSP power plant, which is a unique contribution of this work. The results showed that the model correlated well with actual operating measurements for all seasons of the year, and provided a useful tool for planning of future small-scale CSP plants.

Solar Thermal Energy Generation Potential in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu States, India

Government of India has come out with an ambitious target of 100 GW of using solar energy alone by the year 2022. To reach this target, innovative ideas are required to use the solar energy more effectively. For solar electricity generation, mainly two types of technologies are presently in use, namely, solar PV and solar thermal. Being a tropical country, India has large solar PV and solar thermal energy. More research is required on economic aspects to make the solar thermal competitive to solar PV. Towards this direction, in our present study we have simulated a solar thermal power plant using Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) technology and normalized with 1 MW solar thermal power plant at Gurgaon near New Delhi. Through simulation, we have extended our study and computed the electricity generation possible at different locations of India. For this purpose with 1? × 1?spacing, computations have been carried out at 296 locations. The work is further extended for more detailed study at two representative states, namely, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. In these two states, closer data points with 0.25? × 0.25? spacing have been considered at 273 locations for Gujarat and 197 locations for Tamil Nadu. Our results indicate a large potential of electricity generation using solar thermal energy in southern states of India, namely, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, southern and western part of Andhra Pradesh and eastern part of Maharashtra. Good potential has also been observed in eastern parts of Gujarat and parts of Madhya Pradesh and eastern part of Rajasthan. The annual potential ranges from 1800 MWh to as much as 2600 MWh. Major parts of northern states, for example Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir have medium range potential. Here, the annual potential ranges from 1000 to 1500 MWh. Poor range of potential is observed towards eastern parts of India and north eastern states. Here, the electricity generation potential ranges from 600 to 1200 MWh. Our results are useful to solar thermal developer and decision managers.

Preliminary Design Study on Concentrated Solar Power PVRs to Operate with RCBC

Parabolic through concentrators and parabolic dish concentrators followed by a PVR （pressurized volumetric receiver） are proposed, studying the performance behavior of a RCBC （regenerative closed Brayton cycle） operating with helium or hydrogen. A pressurized gas such as helium circulates along the volumetric receiver, capturing the concentrated thermal solar energy to be further converted into electric power via a thermal cycle. The overall efficiency of the plant has been computed under variable parameters to determine the operating conditions for which efficiency and specific power are acceptable. As consequence of the proposed analysis, it is concluded that direct coupling between volumetric receivers and thermal engines renders high efficiency while avoiding an intermediate heat transfer medium.

双级聚光集热的槽式太阳能热发电系统研究

为了提高槽式光热发电系统的性能,通过高、低聚光比镜场的耦合布置,辅以两种传热介质的搭配,建立了双级聚光集热的槽式太阳能热发电系统模型,与传统槽式光热发电系统展开对比,得到了双级系统集热、换热性能提升的机理和系统关键过程[火用]损失减小的原因。对双级系统进行能量分析和[火用]分析,展示了双级系统中的能量和[火用]流动情况,揭示了在镜场侧和动力侧的各项能量和[火用]损失的分布规律。结果表明:双级聚光集热系统中镜场的耦合布置有效地提高了系统的集热性能,两种传热介质的协同搭配改善了系统的换热性能。损失分布方面,光学损失仍是导致系统集热损失的重要因素,同时光热转化过程的不可逆损失在[火用]损失中占比较大,具有较大的提升潜力。双级系统的热效率可达到27.35%,[火用]效率达到28.84%,相较于传统单聚光比、单介质的槽式太阳能热发电系统,热效率和[火用]效率均可提升0.9%~1.5%,相同发电量下可节省镜场面积4%~6%。研究为槽式太阳能热发电系统提出了改进策略,为进一步优化研究提供了一定的理论依据。

Comprehensive Review of Line-Focus Concentrating Solar Thermal Technologies: Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) vs Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR)

In the present review,parabolic trough collector(PTC)and linear Fresnel reflector(LFR)are comprehensively and comparatively reviewed in terms of historical background,technological features,recent advancement,economic analysis and application areas.It is found that although PTC and LFR are both classified as mainstream line-focus concentrating solar thermal(CST)technologies,they are now standing at different stages of development and facing their individual opportunities and challenges.For PTC,the development is commercially mature with steady and reliable performance;therefore,extension of application is the main future demand.For LFR,the development is still in rapid progress to commercial maturity,yet indicating very promising potentials with high flexibility in novel designs and remarkable reduction in capital and operational costs.The question,which has to be answered in order to estimate the future perspectives of these two line-focus CST technologies,becomes which of these characteristics carries more weight or how to reach an optimal trade-off between them.

Characteristics of the transient thermal load and deformation of the evacuated receiver in solar parabolic trough collector

As a core element in solar parabolic trough collector, the evaluated receiver often runs under severe thermal conditions. Worse still, the transient thermal load is more likely to cause structural deformation and damage. This work develops an efficient transient multi-level multi-dimensional(M2) analysis method to address photo-thermal-elastic problems, thereby estimating transient thermal load and deformation for the receiver:(i) one-dimensional(1-D) thermo-hydraulic model is adopted to determine the transient thermo-hydraulic state,(ii) 3-D finite volume method(FVM) model for the receiver tube is established to obtain the real-time temperature distribution,(iii) 3-D finite element method(FEM) model is employed to make thermoelastic analysis. Based on this M2 method, the typical transient cases are conducted in cold-start, disturbed-operation and regulatedprocess. Three indicators(average temperature of the wall(ATW), radial temperature difference(RTD), circumferential temperature difference(CTD)) are defined for overall analysis of the receiver thermal load. It is found that in the transient process,receivers face response delay and endure significant thermal load fluctuation. The response time for a single HCE(heat collecting element) under lower mass flow rate(1.5 kg s-1) could sustain 280 s. During the cold-start stage(DNI=200 W m-2 to 800 W m-2), the maximum value of CTD in receiver is as high as 11.67℃, corresponding to a maximum deflection of 1.05 cm.When the mass flow rate decreases sharply by 80%, the CTD reaches 33.04℃, causing a 2.06-cm deflection. It should be pointed out that in the cold-start stage and the lower mass flow rate operation for solar parabolic trough collector, alleviating the transient thermal load and deformation is of importance for safely and efficiently running evaluated receiver.

Potential of performance improvement of concentrated solar power plants by optimizing the parabolic trough receiver

This paper proposes a comprehensive thermodynamic and economic model to predict and compare the performance of concentrated solar power plants with traditional and novel receivers with different configurations involving operating temperatures and locations.The simulation results reveal that power plants with novel receivers exhibit a superior thermodynamic and economic performance compared with traditional receivers.The annual electricity productions of power plants with novel receivers in Phoenix,Sevilla,and Tuotuohe are 8.5%,10.5%,and 14.4%higher than those with traditional receivers at the outlet temperature of 550℃.The levelized cost of electricity of power plants with double-selectivecoated receivers can be decreased by 6.9%,8.5%,and 11.6%.In Phoenix,the optimal operating temperature of the power plants is improved from 500℃to 560℃by employing a novel receiver.Furthermore,the sensitivity analysis of the receiver heat loss,solar absorption,and freeze protection temperature is also conducted to analyze the general rule of influence of the receiver performance on power plants performance.Solar absorption has a positive contribution to annual electricity productions,whereas heat loss and freeze protection temperature have a negative effect on electricity outputs.The results indicate that the novel receiver coupled with low melting temperature molten salt is the best configuration for improving the overall performance of the power plants.

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

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.

Performance Evaluation of Short Parabolic Trough Collectors Integrated with a Small-Scale Solar Power and Heating System

An investigation is presented on the performance of a small-scale solar power and heating system with short parabolic trough collectors(PTCs). The steady-state model of the short PTCs is evaluated with outside experiments. The model mainly contains the heat loss of the receiver, the peak optical efficiency and the incident angle factor consisting of incident angle modifier and end loss. It is found that the end loss effect is essential in this model when the length of the PTCs is less than 48 m, especially in the winter. The standard deviation of the steady-state model is 1.4%. Moreover, the potential energy efficiency ratio of the solar power and heating system is considerably larger than the coefficient of performance(COP) of general air-source heat pumps, and increases with the decrease of the condensation temperature. An overall system efficiency of 49% can be reached. Lastly,the existence of a water storage tank improves the flexibility of heating the building, and the volume of the water storage tank decreases with the increase of the heating water temperature.

Off-Design Simulation of a CSP Power Plant Integrated with aWaste Heat Recovery System

Concentrating Solar Power(CSP)plants offer a promising way to generate low-emission energy.However,these plants face challenges such as reduced sunlight during winter and cloudy days,despite being located in high solar radiation areas.Furthermore,their dispatch capacities and yields can be affected by high electricity consumption,particularly at night.The present work aims to develop an off-design model that evaluates the hourly and annual performances of a parabolic trough power plant(PTPP)equipped with a waste heat recovery system.The study aims to compare the performances of this new layout with those of the conventional Andasol 1 plant,with the aim of assessing the improvements achieved in the new design.Based on the results,it can be concluded that the new layout has increased the annual generated power to almost 183 GWh(an increase of about 7.60% is achieved compared to the Andasol 1 layout that generates 169 GWh annually).Additionally,the proposed installation has achieved an efficiency of 20.55%,which represents a 7.87% increase compared to the previous design(19.05%).The Levelized Cost of Electricity(LCOE)of the new layout has been reduced by more than 5.8% compared to the Andasol 1 plant.Specifically,it has decreased from 13.11 to 12.35 c/kWh.This reduction in LCOE highlights the improved cost-effectiveness of the newlayout,making it amore economically viable option for generating electricity compared to the conventional Andasol 1 plant.

Modelling and analysis of an 80-MW parabolic trough concentrated solar power plant in Sudan

Concentrated solar power plants can play a significant role in alleviating Sudan’s energy crisis.These plants can be established and implemented in Sudan,as their potential is considerably high due to the climate conditions in Sudan.This study investigates the design of a parabolic trough concentrated solar power plant in Sudan and analyzes its technical and economic feasibility.The simulation of the plant’s model used System Advisor Model(SAM)software.To determine the best location for the construction of the plant,data from 15 cities in Sudan were compared with each other based on their solar radiation and land properties.Wadi Halfa,a city in the northern region of Sudan,was chosen as the location due to its good topographical properties and climate conditions.The results show that the proposed plant can generate 281.145 GWh of electricity annually with a capacity factor of 40.1%and an overall efficiency of 15%.Additionally,a simple cost analysis of the plant indicates a levelized cost of electricity of 0.155$/kWh.As the study results are consistent with the characteristics of similar plants,the proposed plant is considered technically and economically feasible under the conditions at its location.

Operation Strategy Analysis and Configuration Optimization of Solar CCHP System

This paper proposed a new type of combined cooling heating and power(CCHP)system,including the parabolic trough solar thermal(PTST)power generation and gas turbine power generation.The thermal energy storage subsystem in the PTST unit provides both thermal energy and electrical energy.Based on the life cycle method,the configuration optimization under eight operation strategies is studied with the economy,energy,and environment indicators.The eight operation strategies include FEL,FEL-EC,FEL-TES,FEL-TES&EC,FTL,FTL-EC,FTL-TES,and FTL-TES&EC.The feasibility of each strategy is verified by taking a residential building cluster as an example.The indicators under the optimal configuration of each strategy are compared with that of the separate production(SP)system.The results showed that the PTST-CCHP system improves the environment and energy performance by changing the ratio of thermal energy and electric energy.The environment and energy indicators of FEL-TES&EC are superior to those of FTL-TES&EC in summer,and the results are just the opposite in winter.The initial annual investment of the PTST-CCHP system is higher than that of the SP system,but its economic performance is better than that of the SP system with the increase of life-cycle.

风光热储互补发电系统容量配置技术研究

针对无常规电源支撑的风光热储互补发电系统,协调规划装机容量对提高发电系统运行经济性和利用率具有重要意义。提出了一种双层优化配置方法,上层以最小度电成本及弃电率为目标,确定系统装机容量;下层以新能源发电消纳最大为目标,解决功率分配问题。通过反复迭代寻优,得到系统容量配置;然后;通过纳什谈判对优化结果进行选择;最后,对甘肃河西地区数据进行仿真分析。结果表明:风光热储互补发电系统最优容量配置下的度电成本为0.3064元/(k W·h);风电场加光伏电站装机容量与光热电站装机容量的最优比为6:1,对比相同装机容量的风光互补发电系统,风光热储互补发电系统具有更高的稳定性。

考虑含HRD的光热电站和综合需求响应的综合能源系统低碳经济调度

在“双碳”的背景下,为进一步提升综合能源系统(Integrated Energy System, IES)的经济性和环境效益,文中提出一种在奖惩阶梯型碳交易机制下考虑含热回收装置(Heat Recycling Device, HRD)的光热电站和综合需求响应的IES系统低碳经济调度方法。首先,在源侧构建含热回收装置的光热电站与加装碳捕集的热电联产机组联合运行的IES架构,并分析电转气两阶段的运行原理,建立计及余热回收的电转气设备模型。其次,考虑到负荷侧电、热、气三种负荷的柔性特性,在负荷侧建立电热气综合需求响应模型。最后,引入奖惩阶梯型碳交易机制,进一步减小系统碳排放量,构建调度周期内以含购能成本、运维成本、碳交易成本等系统总运行成本最小为目标的综合能源系统低碳优化调度模型。通过算例分析结果表明,所提方法不仅能提高机组的运行潜力,而且有效降低了系统总运行成本与碳排放量。

槽式太阳能辅助燃煤发电系统集成方式

针对某600 MW超临界发电机组,提出3种槽式太阳能辅助燃煤机组发电(SAPG)系统的集成方式.第1种为太阳能场并联取代高压加热器,第2种为太阳能场高压串联取代高压加热器,第3种为太阳能场低压串联取代高压加热器.利用Matlab编程建立槽式太阳能辅助燃煤电厂发电的仿真模型,在功率增大模式(PB模式)下仿真计算不同的集成方式热力性能,对3种集成方式下系统的太阳能发电量、光电转换效率、标准煤耗率等指标进行对比分析.结果表明,SAPG系统的3种集成方式随着太阳法向直接辐照度EDNI的增大,太阳能引入规模达到峰值为192.37 MW,太阳能发电量为59.55 MW,光电转换效率达到20.10%,标准煤耗率最低为264.44 g/(kW·h).当EDNI≤482 W/m2时,低压串联的集成方式下太阳能发电量、光电转换效率、标准煤耗率等指标均优于高压串联及并联集成的方式;当EDNI≥482 W/m2时,并联集成方式的热力性指标均优于其他2种集成方式,高压串联的集成方式热力性能指标最低.

槽式光热装置承压特种设备损伤模式及检验检测难点分析

本文通过对槽式光热装置的工艺流程及生产特点进行分析,识别出装置存在的典型损伤模式有机械疲劳、热疲劳、熔盐腐蚀、低分子有机酸腐蚀和碱应力腐蚀开裂等。结合槽式光热装置的运行情况和承压设备特点,发现检验检测过程中存在导热油管道长期高温运行无法停机检验检测,核心设备存在多种疲劳损伤模式检验检测要求高及安全评价难等行业难点问题,为保障光热发电领域特种设备安全,亟须加强科技攻关予以解决。