A generalized model to estimate field size for solar-only parabolic trough plant

Abstract

Paper presented to the 3rd Southern African Solar Energy Conference, South Africa, 11-13 May, 2015.A number of computer performance simulations have been developed for modelling the performance of parabolic trough plants, most of which are proprietary or require very detailed inputs. Hence, there is a need to develop a generalized model that allows the designer to quickly estimate the solar field size for a parabolic trough plant at a given location. In order to cater to this need, a generalized model has been developed using the equations, correlations and typical values of certain parameters available in the open literature. The paper presents the complete details of various equations, correlations, loss models and the general data to be used by designer and outlines a systematic procedure coded in MatlabTM to evaluate solar field size for solar-only parabolic trough plant. Finally, to demonstrate this procedure, the model has been used to estimate the solar field size for a small 25 kWe solar-only trough plant at SVNIT, Surat, India. The results of the model indicate the solar field size of 245m2 for a 25 kWe plant to be installed at SVNIT, Surat.