Modeling of Direct Steam Generation Linear Concentrating Solar Plants: Dynamic Studies
Abstract
Concentrating solar power (CSP) using direct steam generation is a promising technology for renewable electricity generation. Power plants or solar fields applying this technology using linear concentrators and absorbers are already in operation in Spain, Australia, and Thailand. The natural transient condition of solar irradiation and two-phase flow in the absorber tubes result in a strongly dynamic behavior of the steam generation system. This dynamic behavior has to be studied for proper designing of the power plants. In this paper, a linear solar steam generator is modeled using the Modelica language and simulated using the Dymola software. The ThermoSysPro Modelica components library, developed by EDF (French electricity provider) is used and extended through further component developments. The dynamic behavior of the modeled linear solar steam generator is analyzed and compared to other models found in literature, and control strategies to ensure good operating conditions are addressed.