Model predictive assistance for operational decision making in molten salt receiver systems

AIP conference proceedings

Abstract

Despite the challenges of pioneering molten salt towers (MST), it remains the leading technology in central receiver power plants today, thanks to cost effective storage integration and high cost reduction potential. The limited controllability in volatile solar conditions can cause significant losses, which are difficult to estimate without comprehensive modeling [1]. This paper presents a Methodology to generate predictions of the dynamic behavior of the receiver system as part of an operating assistance system (OAS). Based on this, it delivers proposals if and when to drain and refill the receiver during a cloudy period in order maximize the net yield and quantifies the amount of net electricity gained by this. After prior analysis with a detailed dynamic two-phase model of the entire receiver system, two different reduced modeling approaches where developed and implemented in the OAS. A tailored decision algorithm utilizes both models to deliver the desired predictions efficiently and with appropriate accuracy.

Authors 5

1. Christian Schwager Aachen

   FH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Solar-Institut Jülich of, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences (SIJ), 52428 Jülich, Germany

   Solar-Institut Jülich of, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences (SIJ), 52428 Jülich, Germany

2. Florian Angeley Aachen

   FH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Solar-Institut Jülich of, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences (SIJ), 52428 Jülich, Germany

   Solar-Institut Jülich of, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences (SIJ), 52428 Jülich, Germany

3. Peter Schwarzbözl

   Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR)

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Solar Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51170 Köln, Germany

   Institute of Solar Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51170 Köln, Germany

4. Cristiano Teixeira Boura Aachen

   FH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Solar-Institut Jülich of, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences (SIJ), 52428 Jülich, Germany

5. Ulf Herrmann Aachen

   FH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Solar-Institut Jülich of, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences (SIJ), 52428 Jülich, Germany

   Solar-Institut Jülich of, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences (SIJ), 52428 Jülich, Germany