A practical upper-bound efficiency model for solar power plants

Abstract

A generalized model for the maximum work rate extractable from the Sun is developed considering a reversible and an endoreversible system to define a more practical upper-bound efficiency for the conversion of solar radiation into work and power. This model is based on a photo-thermal work extractor in communication with a high-temperature radiation reservoir and a low-temperature heat sink. Following the model, a parametric analysis of the concentration acceptance product (ξ) and thermal conductance is performed to identify the interdependence of variables for the solar exergy. The results are compared with existing models to provide a practical baseline of work and power extractable from concentrated solar power plants (CSP) technologies. Therefore, it is possible to quantify the irreversibilities of an idealized thermodynamic system operating between the Sun and the absorber (via radiative transfer) and the environment (via convective transfer).

Alternative Methodology for Modeling Direct Steam Generation in Parabolic Collectors: A Study Case in Northeast Mexico

“…where the optimum receiver temperature T r must be obtained by solving 4σ 2 T 11 r − 8σλ c T 8 r − 8σ 2 ξT 4 sun T 7 r + 4λ 2 c T 5 r − T 4 r 4T amb λ 2 c − 8λ c σξT 4 sun − λ 2 c T amb − λ 2 c T amb ξT 4 sun = 0. In [38], it has been demonstrated that the exergy of solar radiation is 0.8391G bn . Table 3 shows the solar multiple, the TES size, the energy efficiency and the exergy efficiency of the PTC solar field.…”