PTUK Course (1): Solar Energy Systems (renewable energy)

In this lecture, we will delve into the numerical calculations crucial for evaluating different types of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems and their technologies. Understanding these calculations is essential for optimizing the performance and efficiency of CSP systems.

1)     Concentration Ratio (CR): The concentration ratio in a CSP system measures how much the solar energy is concentrated onto the receiver compared to the area of the collector. It is a critical parameter for assessing the performance of CSP systems, as a higher concentration ratio indicates more concentrated solar energy, which can lead to higher temperatures and potentially greater energy efficiency.

2)      Average Solar Flux: The average solar flux on the receiver is the amount of solar power received per unit area on the receiver. It is calculated by dividing the total power focused by the heliostats by the area of the receiver. This value helps in understanding the intensity of solar energy concentrated onto the receiver and impacts the efficiency of the CSP system.

 

3)     Receiver Area Calculation: In CSP systems like dish Stirling, the receiver area is calculated using the concentration ratio and the aperture area of the dish. The receiver area is where the concentrated solar energy is focused. The concentration ratio indicates how much the sunlight is concentrated onto the receiver.

 

4)     Thermal Power Output for Linear Fresnel Reflectors: The thermal power output of a Linear Fresnel Reflector system depends on the collector’s efficiency, the solar irradiance, and the collector area. The efficiency of the system indicates how effectively it converts incoming solar energy into thermal energy.

 

5)     Thermal Power Output for Parabolic Trough Systems: Similar to Linear Fresnel Reflectors, the thermal power output of a parabolic trough system is calculated based on the collector efficiency, solar irradiance, and collector area. Parabolic trough systems are designed to capture and concentrate solar energy, converting it into thermal energy efficiently.

 

6)     Heat Loss through the Receiver: Heat loss through the receiver is influenced by the temperature difference between the receiver and the ambient environment, the heat transfer coefficient (which indicates the rate of heat loss), and the receiver’s surface area. This loss affects the overall efficiency of the CSP system.

 

7)     Effective Usable Energy Stored: The effective usable energy stored in a thermal storage system account for the storage capacity and the efficiency of the storage system. Thermal storage systems help CSP plants provide continuous power by storing excess heat and delivering it when needed.

 

8)     Average Solar Flux for Power Tower Systems: In solar power tower systems, the average solar flux on the receiver is determined by the total power focused by the heliostats divided by the receiver area. This value indicates how much solar energy is concentrated on the receiver, influencing the system’s thermal performance.

 

9)     Heat Loss through the Receiver for Dish Stirling Systems: For dish Stirling systems, the heat loss through the receiver is calculated similarly to other CSP systems, considering the temperature difference between the receiver and the ambient environment, the heat transfer coefficient, and the receiver area. This heat loss impacts the system's efficiency.

 

10)  Thermal Power Output for Linear Fresnel Reflectors: The thermal power output of a Linear Fresnel Reflector system, like other CSP systems, is determined by its efficiency, solar irradiance, and collector area. The efficiency describes how well the system converts sunlight into thermal energy.

 

These theoretical principles underpin the calculations and performance assessments for different CSP technologies and their components. Understanding these concepts helps in designing, analyzing, and optimizing CSP systems for efficient solar energy conversion.