Mixed Logical Dynamical Nonlinear Model Predictive Controller for Large-Scale Solar Fields

This paper presents a control algorithm for reducing heat losses caused by clouds in large solar fields. The formulation is based on a Mixed Logical Dynamical (MLD) representation of the solar field plus the application of a Practical Nonlinear Model Predictive Controller (PNMPC) for calculating the optimal control action. The main purpose of the controller is to deactivate fields with inlet temperature greater than outlet temperature and to manipulate the oil flow rate of the activated fields for tracking the reference of the outlet temperature. A simplified lumped parameters model is used for prediction and simulation of the solar fields.