Modeling and Control of a Linear Fresnel Collector System

Linear Fresnel solar thermal power plants operating with direct steam generation (DSG) cycles offer an opportunity for integrating renewable energy into the grid. Moreover, understanding the transient behavior of the technology is essential for deriving efficient control strategies that ensure their safe and efficient operation. In this regard, a dynamic non-linear model is developed and implemented in Matlab/Simulink to study the DSG process in horizontal absorber pipes presenting single and parallel-row configurations. Using the developed model, the impact of partial shading of the collector field on the flow rate distribution of a two-parallel-row absorber system is then investigated. Additional simulations considering the interaction between the absorber and a two-phase-separator system are also carried out. The integrated system is then utilized to study the response to irradiation disturbances that occur during normal plant operation. Finally, two control strategies, which minimize impact of irradiation disturbances, are described.