Finite Element Modeling of Parabolic Trough Mirror Shape in Different Mirror Angles

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siw Meiser ◽  
Christoph Kleine-Büning ◽  
Ralf Uhlig ◽  
Eckhard Lüpfert ◽  
Björn Schiricke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Support Structure ◽  
Elastic Supports ◽  
Gravity Load ◽  
Laboratory Angle ◽  
Solar Power Plants ◽  
Field Efficiency ◽  
Performance Calculation ◽  
The Ideal

Deviations from the ideal shape of reflector panels for parabolic trough solar power plants can have relevant impact on field efficiency and thus on the performance of the whole power plant. Analyzing the gravity-induced deformation of mirror shape for different mirror angles is relevant for performance calculation of solar parabolic trough collectors and identifying optimization potential of the mirror panels. Two mirror model cases (stiff and elastic supports) are evaluated in four angles: in horizontal laboratory angle (mirrors facing upward with mounting points horizontally aligned), and in 0 deg, 45 deg, and 90 deg collector angle. The resulting slope maps are calculated in a separate postprocessing. In order to evaluate the effect of gravity load on mirror shape, the deformed mirror in each evaluated angle is compared to the nondeformed mirror shape, and to the shapes in 0 deg (zenith) collector angle, respectively. The resulting slope deviation maps show the mirror deformation in different mirror angles. Stiffness of the mounting to the support structure has a relevant impact. Mirror deformation on elastic brackets (SDx up to 1.6 mrad) is much more pronounced than on an ideal stiff support structure (SDx up to 1.0 mrad).

Finite Element Modeling of Parabolic Trough Mirror Shape in Different Mirror Angles

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siw Meiser ◽  
Christoph Kleine-Büning ◽  
Ralf Uhlig ◽  
Eckhard Lüpfert ◽  
Björn Schiricke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Support Structure ◽  
Elastic Supports ◽  
Gravity Load ◽  
Laboratory Angle ◽  
Solar Power Plants ◽  
Field Efficiency ◽  
Performance Calculation ◽  
The Ideal

Deviations from the ideal shape of reflector panels for parabolic trough solar power plants have relevant impact on field efficiency and thus on the performance of the whole power plant. Analyzing the gravity-induced deformation of mirror shape for different mirror angles is relevant for performance calculation of solar parabolic trough collectors and identifying optimization potential of the mirror panels. Two mirror model versions (stiff and elastic supports) are evaluated in four angles: in horizontal laboratory angle (mirrors facing upward with mounting points horizontally aligned), and in 0°, 45° and 90° collector angle. The resulting slope maps are calculated in a separate post-processing. In order to evaluate the effect of gravity load on mirror shape, the deformed mirror in each evaluated angle is compared to the non-deformed mirror shape, and to the shapes in 0° (zenith) collector angle, respectively. The resulting slope deviation maps show the mirror deformation in different mirror angles. Stiffness of the mounting to the support structure has a relevant impact. Mirror deformation on elastic brackets (SDx up to 1.6 mrad) is much more pronounced than on an ideal stiff support structure (SDx up to 1.0 mrad).

Annual Yield Analysis of Solar Tower Power Plants With GREENIUS

2011 ◽  
Vol 133 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Dersch ◽  
Peter Schwarzbözl ◽  
Timo Richert
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Concentrating Solar Power ◽  
Solar Field ◽  
Performance Calculation ◽  
Design Power ◽  
Energy Plants ◽  
Renewable Energy Plants

An existing software tool for annual performance calculation of concentrating solar power and other renewable energy plants has been extended to enable the simulation of solar tower power plants. The methodology used is shown and a demonstrative example of a 50 MWe tower plant in southern Spain is given. The influence of design power and latitude on solar field layout is discussed. Furthermore, a comparison of the tower plant with a 50 MWe parabolic trough and a Linear Fresnel plant at the same site is given.

scholarly journals Optimal start-up operating strategies for gas-boosted parabolic trough solar power plants

Solar Energy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 176 ◽  
pp. 589-603 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Ferruzza ◽  
Monika Topel ◽  
Björn Laumert ◽  
Fredrik Haglind
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Solar Power Plants ◽  
Operating Strategies

scholarly journals Conceptual Study of a Thermal Storage Module for Solar Power Plants with Parabolic Trough Concentrators

10.5772/54060 ◽  
2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina A. ◽  
Carmelo E. ◽  
Giuseppe M. ◽  
Rosa Di ◽  
Fabrizio Girardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Thermal Storage ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Solar Power Plants ◽  
Conceptual Study

Thermoeconomic Study of a Small Parabolic Trough Solar Plant

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. Duran ◽  
E. A. Rinco´n ◽  
M. Sa´nchez
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Optimization Model ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Optimization Problem ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Solar Plant ◽  
Solar Power Plants

This work describes the thermoeconomic study of an integrated combined cycle parabolic trough power plant. The parabolic trough plant will economize boiler activity, and thus the thermoeconomic optimization of the configuration of the boiler, including the parabolic trough plant, will be achieved. The objective is to obtain the optimum design parameters for the boiler and the size of the parabolic field. The proposal is to apply the methodology employed by Duran [1] and Valde´s et. al. [2], but with the inclusion of the parabolic trough plant into the optimization problem. It is important to point out that the optimization model be applied to a single pressure level configuration. For future works, it is proposed that the same model be applied to different configurations of integrated combined cycle solar power plants. As a result the optimum thermoeconomic design will be obtained for a parabolic trough plant used to economize the HRSG.

Test Results and Status of the TOP Alignment System for Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard B. Diver ◽  
Timothy A. Moss
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Incident Angle ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Alignment System ◽  
Alignment Technique ◽  
Solar Power Plants ◽  
Solar Electricity

Parabolic trough solar power plants produce the lowest cost solar electricity, yet unsubsidized electricity from parabolic trough power plants costs about twice that from conventional sources. To make parabolic trough electricity more competitive, we are developing an innovative approach for rapidly and effectively evaluating the alignment of mirrors in parabolic trough power plants and prescribing corrective actions as needed. The Theoretical Overlay Photographic Collector Alignment Technique (TOPCAT) system could be used during construction, to improve the performance of existing power plants, or for routine maintenance. It is also an enabling technology for higher concentration ratio and lower cost trough solar collector designs needed to make solar electricity more competitive with conventional sources. In this paper a truck-mounted TOPCAT field characterization system is described. Test results from mirror alignment of an LS-3 loop in a commercial parabolic trough power plant in southern California are also presented. The performance improvements were measured using a comparative calorimetric technique which inherently accounts for variations in insolation levels, sun incident angle, and mirror and heat collection element (HCE) glass envelope cleanliness. Measurements indicate a 3.5% increase in thermal performance of an LS-3 loop aligned with the TOPCAT system. Benchmarking results of labor hours and materials show that the TOPCAT system is an extremely cost effective tool for improving the performance of existing parabolic trough power plants.

Model and control scheme for recirculation mode direct steam generation parabolic trough solar power plants

2017 ◽  
Vol 202 ◽  
pp. 700-714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Su Guo ◽  
Deyou Liu ◽  
Xingying Chen ◽  
Yinghao Chu ◽  
Chang Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Steam Generation ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Control Scheme ◽  
Direct Steam ◽  
Solar Power Plants ◽  
And Control

scholarly journals Reducing the Cost of Energy From Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plants

Solar Energy ◽  
2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Price ◽  
David Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Mojave Desert ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
Solar Power Plants ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Fossil Fuel Power Plants

Parabolic trough solar technology is the most proven and lowest cost large-scale solar power technology available today, primarily because of the nine large commercial-scale solar power plants that are operating in the California Mojave Desert. However, no new plants have been built during the past ten years because the cost of power from these plants is more expensive than power from conventional fossil fuel power plants. This paper reviews the current cost of energy and the potential for reducing the cost of energy from parabolic trough solar power plant technology based on the latest technological advancements and projected improvements from industry and sponsored R&D. The paper also looks at the impact of project financing and incentives on the cost of energy.

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