Impact of Model Reduction on the Dynamic Simulation of a Micro-Scale Concentrated Solar Power System Integrated with a Thermal Storage
Abstract
Because of the intermittent nature of solar irradiances, micro-scale solar thermal power systems almost never operate in nominal operating conditions. They are characterized by strong transients and require robust, fast and accurate dynamic simulation tools to permit a proper evaluation of their performance. Model reduction, i.e. the simplification of detailed models, is an attractive method to improve the computational efficiency while simulating such systems. In this context, a μCSP plant featuring a solar field of parabolic troughs, a thermocline storage and a 5kWe power unit is investigated. Both the solar field and the thermocline storage are modeled with complex and simplified methods. The whole power plant is simulated under identical operating condition and deviations between the simulation results are analyzed. Benefits and limitations of the current modeling approach are assessed. Improvements for the modeling of the thermocline storage are identified, implemented and validated. The Modelica language is used as simulation tool and the models developed in this work are integrated in the open-source ThermoCycle library.
Keywords
Thermocline storage, Concentrated solar power, Model reduction, Dynamic modeling