Work

Operation strategy of the heliostat field and receiver based on categorization of DNI fluctuation types

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Transient changes in receiver heat are due to Direct Normal Irradiance fluctuations, requiring operational strategies for receiver safety in cloudy weather. The effects of different operational strategies on the outlet temperature of molten salt and the tube wall temperature change rate were conducted by a 3D model. A strategy with heliostat field defocusing is recommended during long-time high fluctuations and moderate fluctuations with high dispersion. Under conditions of long-time moderate fluctuations with moderate and low dispersion and long-time low fluctuations, the rated outlet temperature set at 565°C can meet the need. However, it is necessary to increase the molten salt flow before and after DNI≤300W/m2 to avoid too fast tube temperature change rate. According to the coefficient of variation (CV) during short-time DNI fluctuation, the strategy of heliostat defocusing (CV less than 50%) or rated outlet temperature (CV more than 50%) can be chosen. Combining the SPT system model and cost model, the thermodynamic performance and economic analysis for systems with and without operational strategies were studied. With the operational strategy, the electricity generation was reduced by 3.39% compared to systems without any strategy. However, the lifetime of the receiver was increased, resulting in a 2.17% reduction in LCOE.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-93740-9

Authors: Jing Nie, Weijia Wang, Xiaomei Guo, Jie Huang

Institutions: Zhejiang University of Water Resource and Electric Power, State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University

Language: English

Topic: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690