Analysis and design consideration of solar steam generation plant using parabolic trough collector

Abstract

This paper investigates the annual performance of solar steam generation plant SSGP using parabolic trough collectors via heat exchanger. A transient thermal model for the system is developed. Dynamic simulation of the SSGP is carried out under different operating and geometrical conditions to investigate the plant performance. Several tracking modes are proposed and the optimal configuration for the considered site is determined. The effects of several key parameters, including the flow rate of thermal oil in the absorber tube, concentreation ratio, on the performance of the SSGP based on the meteorological data of Irbid city were examined. Designing optimization of SSGP is carried out. The study shows that using PTC with area of 38 m2 can generate over 950 kg of steam above 130°C in winter time and over 3000 kg during summer time. Finally, it was found that using PTC for steam generation is reliable system for industrial application operated during daytime.