Performance modelling, validation and operational feasibility of a parabolic trough power plant.

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Currently, the most developed commercial Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)technology in operation is the parabolic trough power plant (PTPP) technology.This is due to more than thirty years of experience, competitive cost and high performance (Pool and Coggin, 2013). PTPP's lead the CSP marketalong with the central receiver (CR) technology. A study related to operational strategy is necessary and highly beneficial to increase production outputand/or reduce costs. The objective of this thesis is to simulate a PTPP by making use of data supplied from a power plant currently in operation. The simulation program developed can be used as a tool for the power plant operators.It provides performance based output results that are then evaluated and interpreted in order to achieve a more desirable/optimal electricity generation.This is however, dependant on the day-to-day conditions, limitations and how the operator chooses to run the plant on any specific day. The data used in the simulation is obtained from the PTPP located in Southern Spain,namely; Andasol 3. Performance modelling of plant operation and operational feasibility is made possible by using high resolution data in the form of directnormal irradiance (DNI), energy transfer (thermal-to-electrical energy) and other power plant parameters. A validated simulation model ensures a foundation for power plant operational strategy analysis. This encourages a larger energy production, while also reducing the amount of gas used during start-up.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University