2025/01/06 by Matthew J. Tuman, Michael J. Wagner · 1 voice
Computer Science · Energy · #Photovoltaic System Optimization Techniques #Solar Radiation and Photovoltaics #Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems
paper · doi:10.1016/j.solener.2024.113203
openalex publication_date 2025/01/06 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22
Concentrating Solar Power plants face challenges in achieving and sustaining high performance levels partially due to complexities in plant operations. This study addresses these challenges by developing a computationally efficient, high-fidelity parabolic trough solar field model capable of emulating CSP plant dynamics for use as an operator training simulator and as a tool for optimizing operation strategies. Leveraging a neural network methodology, the model efficiently computes heat absorbed by heat transfer fluid in a solar field with various receiver conditions. The trained neural network model achieves heat absorption error of 0.3% compared to a detailed model while increasing the simulation speed by a factor of 100. The solar field model is validated with data from the operational Solana Solar Generating Station near Gila Bend, AZ (US), and computes temperatures resulting in a mean absolute error of 2 . 2 [ ° C ] over an entire day including start up and shut down. The model is further validated with respect to net optical efficiency that accounts for time-varying collector defocusing. Lastly, this work concludes with case studies that demonstrate the model’s capabilities both as the engine for a training simulator and as an tool for optimizing solar field control strategies. • Heat absorption neural network is accurate with average differences of 0.3% compared to a detailed model. • Heat absorption neural network improves simulation runtime by a factor of 100. • Solar field model is validated with operational data and has an absolute error of 2.2 ° C over an entire day. • Solar field model lends insights into optimal flow control for fields with variable mass flow distributions. • Solar field model can simulate the largest parabolic trough plant in the US faster than real-time for use in a training simulator.