Thermal losses in central receiver solar thermal power plant

Abstract

Central receiver solar thermal power plant with high temperatures is innovative technology for sustaining ecological thermal power generation. The mathematical modeling and simulation of central receiver solar power plant with cavity receiver is done in this paper to predict the thermal power losses from cavity receiver. Results obtained are verified with evidence from solar experiments. A tool is developed with the help of Visual basic to use weather data for simulation. Hitec salt is used as heat transport fluid to obtain high temperatures upto 550°C and is used to produce steam which drives the turbine. Simulation of plant allows to study the performance of entire power plant prior to its actual construction and is done for 10 MWe central receiver solar power plant. The receivers efficiency in absorbing and transferring solar energy to the working fluid is critical in the central receiver concept since plant performance, capital cost and ultimately the cost of energy produced are significantly affected by the receiver's efficiency. The thermal losses including loss due to convection and radiation losses are considered in the cavity receiver of power plant. Results are obtained for generation of power with change in hourly weather data of Jaipur. From hourly simulation, the thermal losses throughout the day, i.e. in the morning, afternoon and evening are determined for the day receiving the highest solar radiation. Monthly thermal losses and hence power generation under the climatic conditions of Jaipur can be predicted throughout the year.