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Temperature-based optical design, optimization and economics of solar polar-field central receiver systems with an optional compound parabolic concentrator.
- Source :
-
Solar Energy . Aug2020, Vol. 206, p1018-1032. 15p. - Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- • Solar central receiver systems with a polar field and an optional CPC are studied. • Effects of geometrical parameters on energetic and economic performance are explored. • Optimal performance for selected receiver temperatures (600–1800 K) are obtained. • Overall minimum levelized cost of exergy is obtained by a no-CPC system at 900 K. • A CPC benefits energetic and economic performance for receiver temperatures >900 and 1200 K, respectively. Energetic and economic characteristics are studied for solar central receiver systems consisting of a polar heliostat field, a tower, a single-aperture cavity receiver, and an optional compound parabolic concentrator (CPC). System characterization and optimization are performed with a numerical model combining an in-house developed Monte-Carlo ray-tracing optical model, a simplified receiver heat transfer model, and a cost model based on the System Advisor Model (SAM). Based on the model, the effects of receiver temperature on the optical configuration of cost-optimal systems are elucidated, along with the benefits of using a CPC for improved energetic and economic performance. Under the assumptions made in this study, it is found that the overall minimum levelized cost of exergy is obtained by a non-CPC system with a receiver operated at approximately 900 K. A CPC benefits both the energetic and economic performance of systems only at elevated temperatures. The working temperature thresholds at which the energetic and economic performance benefit from the addition of a CPC are identified as 900 K and 1200 K, respectively. The general formulation of the model and broad range of values of the investigated parameters provide a universal predictive capability for studying techno-economic performance of concentrating solar thermal systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0038092X
- Volume :
- 206
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Solar Energy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 145498716
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2020.05.088