Dynamic Modeling of a Central Receiver CSP System in Modelica

Abstract

A dynamic model of the Solar Two test facililty has been implemented in Modelica. The model consists of a set of Central Receiver specific CSP components, along with a Rankine cycle to form a complete system. Main components include models of a sun, heliostat field, receiver, storage tank and a Rankine cycle including a steam generator. The components and the full system were tested in a series of simulations-both dynamically and during steady state conditions-and the results were compared to data from the reference system. The dynamic behavior of the models aligned with expectations, although time constants could not be evaluated due to lack of dynamic reference data. The steady state characteristics were adequate for most models, although some complementary work needs to be done on the Receiver model.