First Principles Mathematical Model and Control of a Solar Thermal Power Plant
Abstract
This paper presents the full mathematical model based on first principle equations of a solar thermal power plant, including a solar collector field, an accumulation tank, a gas heater, and a power conversion system based on the Rankine cycle. The model allows representing the several operational conditions, using or not the energy buffers or auxiliary backup energy source. The inclusion or exclusion of these auxiliary elements during the plant operation produces changes in the system dynamics, which complicates the analysis and modeling of the process. In this work, adequate tools to analyze and predict system behavior are used. Simulation results are presented to show how the proposed model is able to simulate the configuration modes of the solar system, being useful for both analysis and control design purposes.