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

Date
2017-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
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 market along with the central receiver (CR) technology. A study related to operational strategy is necessary and highly beneficial to increase production output and/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 direct normal 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.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Tans is die mees ontwikkelde Kommersiële Konsentrasie Sonkrag (KKS) -tegnologie in werking, die paraboliese trog-tegnologie. Dit is as gevolg van meer as dertig jaar se ondervinding, mededingende koste en hoë prestasie. 'n Studie wat verband hou met operasionele strategie is nodig en hoogs voordelig om produksie-uitset te verhoog en/of koste te verminder. Die doel van hierdie proefskrif is om 'n Paraboliese Trog Kragsentrales (PTKS) te simuleer deur gebruik te maak van data wat verskaf word vanaf 'n kragsentrale wat tans in gebruik is. Die ontwikkelingsimulasie-program word dan gebruik as 'n instrument vir die kragsentrale-operateurs. Dit bied prestasiegebaseerde uitset resultate, wat dan geëvalueer en geïnterpreteer word, ten einde 'n meer wenslike/ optimale elektrisiteit opwekking te bereik. Dit is egter afhanklik van die dag-tot-dag voorwaardes, beperkings en hoe die operateur verkies om die aanleg op enige spesifieke dag te bestuur. Die data wat gebruik word in die simulasie, word verkry uit die PTKS in Suid-Spanje, naamlik: Andasol 3. Prestasiemodellering van die aanlegbedrywighede en operasionele haalbaarheid word moontlik gemaak deur hoë resolusie data, energie-oordrag (hitte-tot-elektriese energie) en ander kragaanleg parameters. 'n Gekontroleerde simulasiemodel sorg vir 'n grondslag vir die bedryf van kernstrategieë. Dit moedig 'n groter energieproduksie aan, en verminder ook die hoeveelheid gas wat tydens die aanvang gebruik word.
Description
Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2017.
Keywords
Parabolic troughs, Simulation model, Concentrated Solar Power, Validation and Feasibility, UCTD, Solar power plants
Citation