scholarly journals Simulation of the impact of the atmospheric weather state on the efficiency of functioning of solar thermal and power plants

Author(s):  
N. I. Moskalenko ◽  
A. R. Akhmetshin ◽  
Ya. S. Safiullina ◽  
I. R. Dodov ◽  
M. S. Khamidullina

THE PURPOSE. Determine the impact of the meteorological state of the atmosphere on the efficiency of the functioning of solar thermal and power plants. Modeling the molecular absorption of solar radiation by the atmosphere. Modeling the optical characteristics of the gaseous components of the atmosphere, atmospheric aerosol and clouds.METHODS. A method for numerical modeling of incoming solar radiation fluxes their functioning to determine the efficiency of solar thermal and power plants. The solar fluxes are calculated by stacking layers in a multi-stream approximation, taking into account the multi-tiered cloud cover and the probability of overlapping the sky with clouds. The absorption of radiation by the gaseous phase of the atmosphere is taken into account by the method of equivalent mass in an inhomogeneous atmosphere. The optical characteristics of the dispersed phase of the atmosphere are calculated using the Mie theory.RESULTS. An electronic database has been created on the optical characteristics of the gaseous components of the atmosphere, the optical characteristics of atmospheric aerosol and clouds. The effect of anthropogenic impact on the flux of solar radiation falling on the underlying surface is taken into account. The developed modeling takes into account the effect of humidity on the optical characteristics of atmospheric aerosol and its multicomponent composition, depending on the location of the power plant.CONCLUSION. The information necessary for numerical modeling of meteorological effects on the functioning of solar thermal and power plants is generalized. When calculating solar radiation fluxes, direct illumination of the light-receiving surface by solar radiation, scattered radiation by atmospheric aerosol and clouds are taken into account.

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Samuel Sami

In this study, a mathematical and numerical modeling of the photovoltaic (PV)-thermal solar system to power the multistage flashing chamber process is presented. The proposed model was established after the mass and energy conservation equations written for finite control volume were integrated with properties of the water and nanofluids. The nanofluids studied and presented herein are Ai2O3, CuO, Fe3O4, and SiO2. The multiple flashing chamber process was studied under various conditions, including different solar radiation levels, brine flows and concentrations, and nanofluid concentrations as well as flashing chamber temperatures and pressures. Solar radiation levels were taken as 500 w/m2, 750 w/m2, 1000 w/m2, and finally, 1200 w/m2. The nanofluid volumetric concentrations considered varied from 1% to 20%. There is clear evidence that the higher the solar radiation, the higher the flashed flow produced. The results also clearly show that irreversibility is reduced by using nanofluid Ai2O3 at higher concentrations of 10% to 20% compared to water as base fluid. The highest irreversibility was experienced when water was used as base fluid and the lowest irreversibility was associated with nanofluid SiO2. The irreversibility increase depends upon the type of nanofluid and its thermodynamic properties. Furthermore, the higher the concentration (e.g., from 10% to 20% of Ai2O3), the higher the availability at the last flashing chamber. However, the availability is progressively reduced at the last flashing chamber. Finally, the predicted results compare well with experimental data published in the literature.


1992 ◽  
Vol 114 (4) ◽  
pp. 212-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. Brown ◽  
J. L. La Marche ◽  
G. E. Spanner

The Pacific Northwest Laboratory evaluated the potential feasibility of using chemical energy storage at the Solar Electric Generating System (SEGS) power plants developed by Luz International. Like sensible or latent heat energy storage systems, chemical energy storage can be beneficially applied to solar thermal power plants to dampen the impact of cloud transients, extend the daily operating period, and/or allow a higher fraction of power production to occur during high-valued peak demand periods. Higher energy storage densities make chemical energy storage a potentially attractive option. The results of the evaluation indicated that a system based on the reversible reaction, CaO + H2O = Ca(OH)2, could be technically and economically feasible for this application, but many technical and economic issues must be resolved.


Atmósfera ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz Tunde Yakubu ◽  
Naven Chetty

The optical characteristics of atmospheric aerosol are vital in the determination of the regional climate trend. Biomass burning is typically known to influence aerosol optical characteristics. Following the incessant biomass burning and the recent drop in precipitation over Western Cape, the aerosol optical properties with a focus on the impact of biomass burning are studied over Cape Town using data from AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) and MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer). In general terms, measurements from both platforms significantly agree on the estimates of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and water vapor content (WVC). The mean AOD 0.075 (± 0.022) and Ångström exponent (AE) 0.63 (± 0.19) derived from AERONET demonstrate the dominance of coarse mode aerosol typical of maritime aerosol. Similarly, aerosol particle size distributions display the predominance of coarse mode particles. However, the derived refractive index is more representative of urban-industrial aerosol. Also, estimated back-trajectories show that more than 70% of the aerosol particles over the region originate over the ocean. Atmospheric vapor increases from winter to summer and mainly influenced by air temperature, supersaturation level, and absorbing aerosol. Furthermore, two significant sources accounted for biomass burning related to high AOD values: local biomass burning and regionally transported aged smoke majorly from elsewhere in Sothern Africa.


Author(s):  
Justin Zachary ◽  
Natasha Jones ◽  
Aslan Golant

While major design efforts are dedicated to the development and improvement of solar energy collection technologies, the downstream power generation cycle is often considered a straightforward exercise. The diverse nature of the heat sources and their cyclic behavior make the design of the turbo-machinery and associated balance-of-plant equipment for solar plants quite different from the design for use in conventional fired power plants. The high capital cost of these renewable energy facilities and the limited hours of operation are powerful drivers to increase equipment efficiency and reduce the startup time. This paper reviews the state of the art regarding hardware selection and design considerations for tower, trough, and Fresnel solar thermal technologies from an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor’s perspective. It also describes the benefits and limitations of each method and the impact of flow and temperature on cycle efficiency. In particular, it addresses the turbine design challenges for repeated fast startups and plant size optimization. Special emphasis is given to heat sink design in consideration of water scarcity. In conclusion, the paper provides recommendations for achieving a balance between the economics of generation and cost of equipment and reliability for the downstream power generation system.


2020 ◽  
Vol 209 ◽  
pp. 03019
Author(s):  
Nikolay Moskalenko ◽  
Maryana Khamidullina ◽  
Azat Akhmetshin

The modeling of complex radiation heat exchange in the system “Sun-atmosphere-solar thermal and electric stations” is considered. The structural scheme of solar radiation inflows to the heat-absorbing surface of solar thermal and electrical stations is discussed. Calculations of spectral intensities and the flux of solar radiation, taking into account the selectivity of molecular absorption of radiation by the ingredients of the gas phase of the atmosphere, scattering and absorption of radiation by atmospheric aerosol and clouds, taking into account the statistics of their distribution depending on the location of the station and the time of year. Modeling of anthropogenic impacts on the operation of solar thermal and electrical stations in connection with the capture of anthropogenic emissions of sols by clouds is performed. An assessment of the impact of economic activity on the work of promising solar thermal and electrical stations. The developed methods for calculating the spectral intensities and fluxes of short-wave and long-wave radiation on the underlying surface make it possible to calculate the efficiency of the functioning of solar hot water supply systems for any location and structural solution.


1988 ◽  
Vol 110 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. Brown

Studies completed at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory have allowed an in-depth examination of costs for solar thermal central receiver power plants. Central receiver concepts were evaluated for plant power ratings ranging from 0.5 to 100 MWe, and plant capacity factors ranging from 0.25 to 0.60. The large number of plant configurations considered necessitated the development of cost estimating models. Cost models were developed for concentrator, receiver, transport, storage, energy conversion, balance of plant, and O&M components. This paper presents a detailed discussion of costs for solar thermal central receiver power plants. Principal subcomponents and cost drivers are identified for each component. The impact of alternative design choices on cost and the tradeoffs involved between different working fluids are addressed. Cost uncertainties are examined qualitatively for each component. Finally, equations are presented for making preliminary estimates of direct capital and annual O&M costs for solar thermal central receiver systems.


2016 ◽  
Vol 139 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Abutayeh ◽  
Anas Alazzam

Quite a few computer programs have been developed to model power plant performance. These software codes are geared toward modeling steady-state operations, which are usually sufficient for conventional power plants. Solar thermal power plants undergo prolonged transient start-up and shut-down operations due to the periodic nature of solar radiation. Moreover, the large size of the solar field brings about large residence time that must be considered to accurately lag power generation. A novel scheme has been developed to fine-tune steady-state solar power generation models to accurately take account of the impact of those transient operations. The suggested new scheme is implemented by adjusting solar radiation data input to the model and has been shown to clearly improve modeling accuracy by moving modeled results closer to matching real operating data.


Author(s):  
Mohammad Abutayeh

Quite a few computer programs have been developed to model power plant performance. These software codes are geared towards modeling steady state operations which is usually sufficient for conventional power plants. Solar thermal power plants undergo lengthy transient start–up and shut–down operations due to the sporadic nature of solar radiation; therefore, valid modeling of their performance must address those unsteady state operations. A novel scheme has been developed to fine–tune steady state solar power generation models to accurately take account of the impact of those transient operations. The suggested new scheme is implemented by adjusting solar radiation input data and has been shown to significantly improve modeling accuracy by moving modeled results closer to matching real operating data.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document