Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Solar power plants'

This thesis is an investigation of critical failure modes of solar tower power system in concentrated solar power (CSP) technology. The thesis evaluated the causes and impacts of failure on the major components and apply the failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) to CSP solar tower system. This research proposed an alternative method to overcome the limitations of Risk Priority Number (RPN) from traditional FMEA. A case study applies the proposed approach to CSP solar tower system for a better prioritization of failure mode in order to reduce the risk of failures.

The integration of concentrated solar thermal technology with PCC-retrofitted power plants has the potential to recover the power plant penalty while capturing carbon through the PCC plant. The main contribution of this thesis is showcasing such synergy between solar and PCC-retrofitted power plants through development of a model investigating the solar plant dynamic behaviour and response to external disturbances including climatic changes for the Australian context. Firstly, the potential of solar thermal and/or power energy to compensate for both PCC penalties is investigated. The mode of integrated solar energy with the PCC-retrofitted power plant and the integration point in the superstructure, result in a number of possible configurations among which, three are shown to have a higher potential to meet the operational objective, maintaining the original output rate while PCC is operating. The basic sizing data, a preliminary size of each configuration, operational capability and complexity level involved in the integration of each configuration are established. A limitation was faced in assessing the performance of each option using levelised cost of energy due to the lack of a dynamic profile of high-pressure side feed water preheaters of the PCC-retrofitted power plant. Additionally, a dynamic study on the superstructure was required using the annual dynamic profile of PCC load requirements, carbon price and power demand. Despite these, this work has shown near optimal values for solar multiple and number of full load hours of thermal storage for each configuration. These results are used to select one option for a dynamic model. A comprehensive dynamic study is performed on Option 2 using TRNSYS modelling package. The main operating and control schemes are identified and details of the modelling are provided followed by an analysis of performance results and conclusion and a note for future directions.

This thesis analyses novel technology for renewable electricity generation: the solar thermal chimney (STC) power plant and the suspended chimney (SC) as a plant component. The STC consists of a solar collector, a tall chimney located at the centre of the collector, and turbines and generators at the base of the chimney. Air heated in the collector rises up the chimney under buoyancy and generates power in the turbines. STCs have the potential to generate large amounts of power, but research is required to improve their economic viability. A state-of-the-art STC model was developed, focussing on accurate simulation of collector thermodynamics, and providing data on flow characteristics and plant performance. It was used to explore power generation for matched component dimensions, where for given chimney heights, a range of chimney and collector radii were investigated. Matched dimensions are driven by the collector thermal components approaching thermal equilibrium. This analysis was complemented with a simple cost model to identify the most cost-effective STC configurations. The collector canopy is an exceptionally large structure. Many of the designs proposed in the literature are either complex to manufacture or limit performance. This thesis presents and analyses a series of novel canopy profiles which are easier to manufacture and can be incorporated with little loss in performance. STC chimneys are exceptionally tall slender structures and supporting their self-weight is difficult. This thesis proposes to re-design the chimney as a fabric structure, held aloft with lighter-than-air gas. The performance of initial, small scale suspended chimney prototypes under lateral loading was investigated experimentally to assess the response to wind loads. A novel method of stiffening is proposed and design of larger prototypes developed. The economic viability of a commercial-scale suspended chimney was investigated, yielding cost reductions compared to conventional chimney designs.

Concentrating solar power (CSP) plant is a promising technology that exploits direct normal irradiation (DNI) from the sun to be converted into thermal energy in the solar field. One of the advantages of CSP technology is the possibility to store thermal energy in thermal energy storage (TES) for later production of electricity. The integration of thermal storage allows the CSP plant to be a dispatchable system which is defined as having a capability to schedule its operation using an innovative dispatch planning tool. Considering weather forecast and electricity price profile in the market, dispatch planning tool uses an optimization algorithm. It aims to shift the schedule of electricity delivery to the hours with high electricity price. These hours are usually reflected by the high demand periods. The implementation of dispatch optimizer can benefit the CSP plants economically from the received financial revenues. This study proposes an optimization of dispatch planning strategies for the parabolic trough CSP plant under two dispatch approaches: solar driven and storage driven. The performed simulation improves the generation of electricity which reflects to the increase of financial revenue from the electricity sale in both solar and storage driven approaches. Moreover, the optimization also proves to reduce the amount of dumped thermal energy from the solar field.

Centrala solmottagarsystem (CRS) är på frammarsch på grund av deras höga koncentrationsfaktor och höga potential att minska kostnaderna genom att öka kapacitetsfaktorn av solkraftanläggningar med lagring. I CRS kraftanläggningar är solljuset fokuserat på mottagaren genom arrangemanget av tusentals speglar för att omvandla solstrålning till värme för att driva värmecykler. Solmottagare används för att överföra värmeflux från solen till arbetsmediet. Generellt arbetar solmottagare i driftpunkter med hög temperatur och därför genereras strålningsförluster. Vidare har solmottagaren en betydande påverkan på den totala kostnaden för kraftverket. Således har konstruktion och modellering av mottagaren en signifikant påverkan på kraftanläggningseffektivitet och kostnad. Målet med detta examensarbete är att utveckla en designmetodik för att beräkna geometrin hos solmottagaren och dess verkningsgrad. Denna designmetodik riktar sig främst till stora kraftverk i området 100 MWe, men även skalbarheten av designmetoden har studerats. Den utvecklade konstruktionsmetoden implementerades i in-house designverktyg devISEcrs som även integrerar andra moduler som modellerar solspegelfält, lagring och kraftblocket för att beräkna den totala kraftverksverkningsgraden. Designmodeller för de andra komponenterna är delvis redan implementerade, men de är modifierade och/eller utvidgade för att integrera den nya CRS mottagarmodellen. Slutligen har hela mottagarmodellen validerats genom att jämföra resultaten med testdata från litteraturen.
Central Receiver Systems (CRS) are gaining momentum because of their high concentration and high potential to reduce costs by means of increasing the capacity factor of the plant with storage. In CRS plants, sunlight is focused onto the receiver by the arrangement of thousands of mirrors to convert the solar radiation into heat to drive thermal cycles. Solar receivers are used to transfer the heat flux received from the solar field to the working fluid. Generally, solar receivers work in a high-temperature environment and are therefore subjected to different heat losses. Also, the receiver has a notable impact on the total cost of the power plant. Thus, the design and modelling of the receiver has a significant influence on efficiency and the cost of the plant. The goal of the master thesis is to develop a design methodology to calculate the geometry of the receiver and its efficiency. The design methodology is mainly aimed at large-scale power plants in the range of 100 MWe, but also the scalability of the design method has been studied. The developed receiver design method is implemented in the in-house design tool devISEcrs and also it is integrated with other modules like solar field, storage and power block to calculate the overall efficiency of the power plant. The design models for other components are partly already implemented, but they are modified and/or extended according to the requirements of CRS plants. Finally, the entire receiver design model is validated by comparing the results of test cases with the data from the literature.

This gives grounds for implementation sun energy projects for electricity generation. It is interesting that the efficiency of modern solar power station nowadays reaches up to 14,4%, however 5 years ago at the height of the popularity of solar modules their efficiency does not exceed 10%. It is believed 5-10 years later, this index closer to 30%. Due to new technologies introduction quite naturally the cost of electricity will fall. Such prospects in the development of solar energy make it one of the most attractive destinations in attracting foreign investment. An important advantage of the solar power station for Iraq is the ability of local electricity generation, which could decentralize the power systems in Iraq, as a result great losses of energy could disappear when transporting electricity. When you are citing the document, use the following link http://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/26478

Thesis (MScIng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigates energy generation by large-scale solar tower power plants. The performance characteristics of a so-called reference plant with a 4000 m diameter glass collector roof and a 1500 m high, 160 m diameter tower are determined for a site located in South Africa. The relevant draught and conservation equations are derived, discretized and implemented in a numerical model which solves the equations using speci ed meteorological input data and determines the power delivered by the plant. The power output of a solar tower power plant over a twenty-four hour period is presented. Corresponding temperature distributions in the ground under the collector are shown. Variations in seasonal generation are evaluated and the total annual electrical output is determined. The dependency of the power output on collector diameter and tower height is illustrated, while showing that greater power production can be facilitated by optimizing the roof shape and height. The minor in uence of the tower shadow falling across the collector is evaluated, while the e ect of prevailing winds on the power generated is found to be signi cant.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek elektrisiteitsopwekking deur grootskaalse sontoringkragstasies. Die uitsetkarakteristieke van 'n sogenaamde verwysings-kragstasie met 'n 4000 m deursnee glas kollektor en 'n 1500 m hoë, 160 m deursnee toring word ondersoek vir 'n spesi eke ligging in Suid-Afrika. Die toepaslike trek- en behoudsvergelykings word afgelei, gediskretiseer en geimplementeer in 'n numeriese rekenaarmodel. Die rekenaarmodel los die betrokke vergelykings op deur gebruik te maak van gespesi seerde meteorologiese invoerdata en bepaal dan die uitset gelewer deur die kragstasie. Die uitset van 'n sontoring-kragstasie oor 'n periode van vier-en-twintig uur word getoon. Ooreenstemmende temperatuurverdelings in die grond onder die kollektor word geïllustreer. Die variasie in seisoenale elektrisiteitsopwekking word ondersoek en die totale jaarlikse elektriese uitset bepaal. Die invloed wat die kragstasie dimensies (kollektor deursnee en toring hoogte) op die uitset het, word bestudeer en resultate getoon. Daar is ook bevind dat verhoogde uitset meegebring kan word deur die vorm en hoogte van die kollektordak te optimeer. Die geringe e ek van die toringskadu op die kollektor word bespreek, terwyl bevind is dat heersende winde 'n beduidende e ek op die kragstasie uitset het.

The percentage of renewable energy within the global electric power generation portfolio is expected to increase rapidly over the next few decades due to increasing concerns about climate change, fossil fuel costs, and energy security. Solar thermal energy, also known as concentrating solar power (CSP), is emerging as an important solution to new demands for clean, renewable electricity generation. Dish-Stirling (DS) technology, a form of CSP, is a relatively new player in the renewable energy market, although research in the technology has been ongoing now for nearly thirty years. The first large plant utilizing DS technology, rated at 1.5 MW, came online in January 2010 in Peoria, AZ, and plants rated for several hundred MW are in the planning stages. Increasing capacity of this technology within the utility grid requires extensive dynamic simulation studies to ensure that the power system maintains its safety and reliability in spite of the technological challenges that DS technology presents, particularly related to the intermittency of the energy source and its use of a non-conventional asynchronous generator. The research presented in this thesis attempts to fill in the gaps between the well established research on Stirling engines in the world of thermodynamics and the use of DS systems in electric power system applications, a topic which has received scant attention in publications since the emergence of this technology. DS technology uses a paraboloidal shaped dish of mirrors to concentrate sunlight to a single point. The high temperatures achieved at the focal point of the mirrors is used as a heat source for the Stirling engine, which is a closed-cycle, external heat engine. Invented by the Scottish clergyman Robert Stirling in 1816, the Stirling engine is capable of high efficiency and releases no emissions, making it highly compatible with concentrated solar energy. The Stirling engine turns a squirrel-cage induction generator, where electricity is delivered through underground cables from thousands of independent, autonomous 10-25 kW rated DS units in a large solar farm. A dynamic model of the DS system is presented in this thesis, including models of the Stirling engine working gas and mechanical dynamics. Custom FORTRAN code is written to model the Stirling engine dynamics within PSCAD/EMTDC. The Stirling engine and various other components of the DS system are incorporated into an electrical network, including first a single-machine, infinite bus network, and then a larger 12-bus network including conventional generators, loads, and transmission lines. An analysis of the DS control systems is presented, and simulation results are provided to demonstrate the system's steady state and dynamic behavior within these electric power networks. Potential grid interconnection requirements are discussed, including issues with power factor correction and low voltage ride-through, and simulation results are provided to illustrate the dish-Stirling system's capability for meeting such requirements.

The provision of a sustainable energy supply is one of the most importantissues facing humanity at the current time, and solar thermal power hasestablished itself as one of the more viable sources of renewable energy. Thedispatchable nature of this technology makes it ideally suited to forming thebackbone of a future low-carbon electricity system.However, the cost of electricity from contemporary solar thermal power plantsremains high, despite several decades of development, and a step-change intechnology is needed to drive down costs. Solar gas-turbine power plants are apromising new alternative, allowing increased conversion efficiencies and asignificant reduction in water consumption. Hybrid operation is a furtherattractive feature of solar gas-turbine technology, facilitating control andensuring the power plant is available to meet demand whenever it occurs.Construction of the first generation of commercial hybrid solar gas-turbinepower plants is complicated by the lack of an established, standardised, powerplant configuration, which presents the designer with a large number ofchoices. To assist decision making, thermoeconomic studies have beenperformed on a variety of different power plant configurations, includingsimple- and combined-cycles as well as the addition of thermal energy storage.Multi-objective optimisation has been used to identify Pareto-optimal designsand highlight trade-offs between costs and emissions.Analysis of the simple-cycle hybrid solar gas-turbines revealed that, whileelectricity costs were kept low, the achievable reduction in carbon dioxideemissions is relatively small. Furthermore, an inherent trade-off between thedesign of high efficiency and high solar share hybrid power plants wasidentified. Even with the use of new optimised designs, the degree of solarintegration into the gas-turbine did not exceed 63% on an annual basis.In order to overcome the limitations of the simple-cycle power plants, twoimprovements were suggested: the integration of thermal energy storage, andthe use of combined-cycle configurations. Thermal energy storage allowed thedegree of solar operation to be extended, significantly decreasing carbondioxide emissions, and the addition of a bottoming-cycle reduced the electricitycosts. A combination of these two improvements provided the bestperformance, allowing a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of up to 34%and a reduction in electricity costs of up to 22% compared to a combination ofconventional power generation technologies.
Hållbar energiförsörjning är för närvarande en av de viktigaste frågorna förmänskligheten. Koncentrerad solenergi är nu etablerad som en tillförlitlig källaav förnybar energi. Den reglerbara karaktären hos tekniken gör den specielltintressant för uppbyggnaden av ett framtida koldioxidsnålt elsystem.Kostnaden för elektricitet från nuvarande termiska solkraftverk är hög trottsflera decennier av utveckling. Ett genombrått på tekniknivå krävs för att drivaned kostnaderna. Sol-gasturbiner är ett av de mest lovande alternativen, somger en ökad verkningsgrad samtidigt som vattenkonsumtionen reducerasdrastiskt. Sol-gasturbintekniken gör det möjligt att blandköra solenergi ochandra bränslen för att möta efterfrågan vid alla tidpunkter, en attraktiv aspekt iförhållande till alternativa lösningar.Uppbyggnaden av första generationens kommersiella hybrida solgasturbinkraftverkförsvåras dock av bristen på etablerade och standardiseradekraftverkskonfigurationer. Dessa ger planeraren ett stort antal valmöjlighetersom underlag för beslutsfattande. Termoekonomiska studier har genomförtsför ett flertal olika kraftverkskonfigurationer, däribland kraftverk med enkelcykel, kombikraftverk samt möjligheten att utnyttja termisk energilagring.Pareto-optimala konfigurationer har identifierats med hjälp av multiobjektsoptimeringför att belysa balansen mellan kostnader och utsläpp.Analysen av det enkla hybrida sol-gasturbinkraftverket visade attelektricitetskostnaden hållits på en låg nivå, men att den möjliga minskningen avkoldioxidutsläpp är relativt liten. Dessutom identifierades en inre balans mellanatt bibehålla en hög verkningsgrad hos konfigurationen och en hög andelsolenergi i produktionen. Andelen av solenergi i gasturbinen överskred aldrig63% på årlig bas, även med optimerade kraftverkskonfigurationer.Två förbättringar föreslås för att övervinna begränsningarna hos kraftverk medenkel cykel: integration av termisk energilagring samt nyttjande avkombikraftverkskonfigurationer. Termisk energilagring tillåter en ökad andelsolenergi i driften och reducerar koldioxidutsläppen drastiskt, medan denytterligare cykeln hos kombikraftverket reducerar elektricitetskostnaden.Kombinationen av dessa förbättringar ger den bästa prestandan, med enreduktion av koldioxidutsläppen på upp till 34% och reducerade elektricitetskostnaderpå upp till 22% i jämförelse med andra kombinationer avkonventionella kraftverkskonfigurationer.

QC 20130503

Parts of the auxiliary power systems at Fortum's hydro power stations are usingdirect current, which is fed from the generators at the plant and converted byrectifiers. As photovoltaic solar cells produce direct current there are severalhypothetical advantages to use solar power for the auxiliary power supply, e.g.enabling more of the power from the generator to be sold to the grid. It eliminatesthe need of an inverter, conversion losses are avoided and less load is put on therectifiers. However the exclusion of an inverter also prevents the solar cells to have adirect connection to the grid, which in turn makes them ineligible for the Swedishgovernmental solar power investment support program. The lesser load on therectifiers will not affect their lifetime according to manufacturers and thus achieves noeconomic gain. Avoiding conversion losses will increase the gain from the producedelectricity by enabling even more power to be sold to the grid. The economic gainfrom avoiding conversion losses is however too small to gain any feasibility in a smallsolar power installation at a hydro power plant, as the small size will make itexpensive in terms of investment per Wp.

The performance of parabolic trough based solar power plants over the last 25 years has proven that this technology is an excellent alternative for the commercial power industry. Compared to conventional power plants, parabolic trough solar power plants produce significantly lower levels of carbon dioxide, although additional research is required to bring the cost of concentrator solar plants to a competitive level. The cost reduction is focused on three areas: thermodynamic efficiency improvements by research and development, scaling up of the unit size, and mass production of the equipment. The optimum design, performance simulation and cost analysis of the parabolic trough solar plants are essential for the successful implementation of this technology. A detailed solar power plant simulation and analysis of its components is needed for the design of parabolic trough solar systems which is the subject of this research. Preliminary analysis was carried out by complex models of the solar field components. These components were then integrated into the system whose performance is simulated to emulate real operating conditions. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to get the optimum conditions and minimum levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). A simplified methodology was then developed based on correlations obtained from the detailed component simulations. A comprehensive numerical simulation of a parabolic trough solar power plant was developed, focusing primarily on obtaining a preliminary optimum design through the simplified methodology developed in this research. The proposed methodology is used to obtain optimum parameters and conditions such as: solar field size, operating conditions, parasitic losses, initial investment and LCOE. The methodology is also used to evaluate different scenarios and conditions of operation. The new methodology was implemented for a 50 MWe parabolic trough solar power plant for two cities: Tampa and Daggett. The results obtained for the proposed methodology were compared to another physical model (System Advisor Model, SAM) and a good agreement was achieved, thus showing that this methodology is suitable for any location.

Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2012.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 43-44).
Carbon Dioxide emissions from power production are believed to have significant contributions to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Alternative energy resources, such as solar radiation, may help abate emissions but suffer from high costs of power production and temporal variations. On the other hand, Carbon Capture and Sequestration allows the continued use of fossil fuels without the CO2 emissions but it comes at an energetic penalty. The Advanced Zero Emissions Plant (AZEP) minimizes this energy loss by making use of Ion Transport Membrane (ITM)-based oxy-combustion to reduce the cost of carbon dioxide separation. This work seeks to assess if there are any thermodynamic gains from hybridizing solar-thermal energy with AZEP. The particular focus is hybridizing of the bottoming cycle with supplemental solar heating. A simple model of parabolic solar trough was used to hybridize a model of the AZEP cycle in ASPEN Plus*. Two cycle configurations are studied: the first uses solar parabolic troughs to indirectly vaporize high pressure steam through Therminol and the second uses parabolic troughs to directly preheat the high pressure water stream prior to vaporization. Simulations of the solar vaporizer hybrid by varying the total area of collectors (holding fuel input constant) show an increase of net electric output from 439MW for the non-hybridized AZEP to 533MW with an input solar share of 38.8%. The incremental solar efficiency is found to be around 16% for solar shares of input ranging from 5% to 38.8%. Moreover, simulations of variable solar insolation for collector area of 550,000 m2 , show that incremental solar efficiency increased with solar insolation reaching a plateau around 17%. Simulations of the direct solar preheater, show a net electric output of 501.3 MW for a solar share of 35%, (an incremental solar efficiency of 13.73%). The power generation and hence incremental efficiency is lower than in hybridization with steam vaporization with the same input solar share. Synergy analysis for the steam vaporization hybrid indicates no thermodynamic gains from hybridization.
by Ragheb Mohamad Fawaz El Khaja.
S.B.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Concentrating solar power plants are a promising means of generating electricity. However, they are dependent on the sun as a source of energy, and require thermal storage to supply power on demand. At present thermal storage – usually molten salt – although functional, is expensive, and a cheaper solution is desired. It is proposed that sensible heat storage in a packed bed of rock, with air as heat transfer medium, is suitable at temperatures of 500 – 600 °C. To determine if this concept is technically feasible and economically competitive with existing storage, rock properties, packed bed pressure drop and thermal characteristics must be understood. This work addresses these topics. No previously published data is available on thermal cycling resistance of South African rock, and there is limited data from other countries in the proposed temperature range for long-term thermal cycling, so samples were thermally cycled. There is rock which is suitable for thermal storage applications at temperatures of 500 – 600 °C. New maps of South Africa showing where potentially suitable rock is available were produced. Dolerite, found extensively in the Karoo, is particularly suitable. Friction factors were measured for beds of different particles to determine the importance of roughness, shape, and packing arrangement. Five sets of rock were also tested, giving a combined dataset broader than published in any previous study. Limitations of existing correlations are shown. The friction factor is highly dependent on particle shape and, in the case of asymmetric particles, packing method. The friction factor varied by up to 70 % for crushed rock depending on the direction in which it was poured into the test section, probably caused by the orientation of the asymmetric rock relative to the air flow direction. This has not been reported before for rock beds. New isothermal correlations using the volume equivalent particle diameter are given: they are within 15 % of the measurements. This work will allow a techno-economic evaluation of crushed rock beds using more accurate predictions of pumping power than could previously be made. Thermal tests below 80 °C show that bed heat transfer is insensitive to particle shape or type. A heat transfer correlation for air in terms of the volume equivalent diameter was formulated and combined with the E-NTU method. The predicted bed outlet temperatures are within 5 °C of the measurements for tests at 530 °C, showing that the influence of thermal conduction and radiation can be reasonably negligible for a single charge/discharge cycle at mass fluxes around 0.2 kg/m2s. A novel method for finding the optimum particle size and bed length is given: The Biot number is fixed, and the net income (income less bed cost) from a steam cycle supplied by heat from the bed is calculated. A simplified calculation using the method shows that the optimum particle size is approximately 20 mm for bed lengths of 6 – 7 m. Depending on the containment design and cost, the capital cost could be an order of magnitude lower than a nitrate salt system.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Gekonsentreerde son-energie kragstasies is n belowende manier om elektrisiteit op te wek, maar hulle is afhanklik van die son as n bron van energie. Om drywing op aanvraag te voorsien moet hulle energie stoor. Tans is termiese stoor – gewoonlik gesmelte sout – hoewel funksioneel, duur, en n goedkoper oplossing word gesoek. Daar word voorgestel dat stoor van voelbare warmte-energie in n gepakte rotsbed met lug as warmteoordrag medium geskik is by temperature van 500 – 600 °C. Om te bepaal of dié konsep tegnies gangbaar en ekonomies mededingend met bestaande stoorstelsels is, moet rotseienskappe, gepakte bed drukval en hitteoordrag verstaan word. Hierdie werk spreek hierdie aspekte aan. Geen voorheen gepubliseerde data is beskikbaar oor die termiese siklus weerstand van Suid-Afrikaanse rots nie, en daar is beperkte data van ander lande in die voorgestelde temperatuurbereik, dus is monsters onderwerp aan termiese siklusse. Daar bestaan rots wat geskik is vir termiese stoor toepassings by temperature van 500 – 600 °C. Nuwe kaarte van Suid-Afrika is opgestel om te wys waar potensieel geskikte rots beskikbaar is. Doleriet, wat wyd in die Karoo voor kom, blyk om veral geskik te wees. Wrywingsfaktore is gemeet vir beddens van verskillende partikels om die belangrikheid van grofheid, vorm en pak-rangskikking te bepaal. Vyf rotsstelle is ook getoets, wat n saamgestelde datastel gee wyer as in enige gepubliseerde studie. Beperkings van bestaande korrelasies word aangetoon. Die wrywingsfaktor is hoogs sensitief vir partikelvorm en, in die geval van asimmetriese partikels, pakkings metode. Die wrywingsfaktor het met tot 70 % gevarieer vir gebreekte rots, afhanklik van die rigting waarin dit in die toetsseksie neergelê is. Dit is waarskynlik veroorsaak deur die oriëntasie van die asimmetriese rots relatief tot die lugvloei rigting, en is nie voorheen vir rotsbeddens gerapporteer nie. Nuwe isotermiese korrelasies wat gebruik maak van die volume-ekwivalente partikel deursnee word gegee: hulle voorspel binne 15 % van die gemete waardes. Hierdie werk sal n tegno-ekonomiese studie van rotsbeddens toelaat wat meer akkurate voorspellings van pompdrywing gebruik as voorheen moontlik was. Termiese toetse onder 80 °C wys dat die warmteoordrag nie baie sensitief is vir partikelvorm en -tipe nie. n Warmte-oordragskorrelasie vir lug in terme van die volume-ekwivalente deursnee is ontwikkel en met die E-NTU-metode gekombineer. Die voorspelde lug uitlaat temperatuur is binne 5 °C van die meting vir toetse by 530 °C. Dit wys dat termiese geleiding en straling redelikerwys buite rekening gelaat kan word vir n enkele laai/ontlaai siklus by massa vloeitempos van omtrent 0.2 kg/m2s. n Oorspronklike metode vir die bepaling van die optimum partikelgrootte en bedlengte word gegee: Die Biot-getal is vas, en die netto inkomste (die inkomste minus die bed omkoste) van n stoomsiklus voorsien met warmte van die bed word bereken. n Vereenvoudigde berekening wat die metode gebruik wys dat die optimum grootte en lengte ongeveer 20 mm en 6-7 m is. Afhangende van die behoueringsontwerp en koste, kan die kapitale koste n orde kleiner wees as dié van n gesmelte nitraatsout stelsel

This thesis examined solar thermal collectors for use in alternative hybrid solar-biomass power plant applications in Gujarat, India. Following a preliminary review, the cost-effective selection and design of the solar thermal field were identified as critical factors underlying the success of hybrid plants. Consequently, the existing solar thermal technologies were reviewed and ranked for use in India by means of a multi-criteria decision-making method, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Informed by the outcome of the AHP, the thesis went on to pursue the Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR), the design of which was optimised with the help of ray-tracing. To further enhance collector performance, LFR concepts incorporating novel mirror spacing and drive mechanisms were evaluated. Subsequently, a new variant, termed the Elevation Linear Fresnel Reflector (ELFR) was designed, constructed and tested at Aston University, UK, therefore allowing theoretical models for the performance of a solar thermal field to be verified. Based on the resulting characteristics of the LFR, and data gathered for the other hybrid system components, models of hybrid LFR- and ELFR-biomass power plants were developed and analysed in TRNSYS®. The techno-economic and environmental consequences of varying the size of the solar field in relation to the total plant capacity were modelled for a series of case studies to evaluate different applications: tri-generation (electricity, ice and heat), electricity-only generation, and process heat. The case studies also encompassed varying site locations, capacities, operational conditions and financial situations. In the case of a hybrid tri-generation plant in Gujarat, it was recommended to use an LFR solar thermal field of 14,000 m2 aperture with a 3 tonne biomass boiler, generating 815 MWh per annum of electricity for nearby villages and 12,450 tonnes of ice per annum for local fisheries and food industries. However, at the expense of a 0.3 ¢/kWh increase in levelised energy costs, the ELFR increased saving of biomass (100 t/a) and land (9 ha/a). For solar thermal applications in areas with high land cost, the ELFR reduced levelised energy costs. It was determined that off-grid hybrid plants for tri-generation were the most feasible application in India. Whereas biomass-only plants were found to be more economically viable, it was concluded that hybrid systems will soon become cost competitive and can considerably improve current energy security and biomass supply chain issues in India.

The current energy scenario in the developing nations with abundant sun resource (e.g. southern Mediterranean countries of Europe, Middle-East & North Africa) relies mainly on fossil fuels to supply the increasing energy demand. Although this long adopted pattern ensures electricity availability on demand at all times through the least cost proven technology, it is highly unsustainable due to its drastic impacts on depletion of resources, environmental emissions and electricity prices. Solar thermal Hybrid power plants among all other renewable energy technologies have the potential of replacing the central utility model of conventional power plants, the understood integration of solar thermal technologies into existing conventional power plants shows the opportunity of combining low cost reliable power and Carbon emission reduction. A literature review on the current concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies and their suitability for integration into conventional power cycles was concluded, the best option was found be in the so called Integrated solar combined cycle systems (ISCCS); the plant is built and operated like a normal combined cycle, with a solar circuit consisting of central tower receiver and heliostat field adding heat to the bottoming Rankine cycle. A complete model of the cycle was developed in TRNSYS simulation software and Matlab environment, yearly satellite solar insolation data was used to study the effect of integrating solar power to the cycle throw-out the year. A multi objective thermo economic optimization analysis was conducted in order to identify a set of optimum design options. The optimization has shown that the efficiency of the combined cycle can be increased resulting in a Levelized electricity cost in the range of 10 -14 USDcts /Kwhe. The limit of annual solar share realized was found to be around 7 % The results of the study indicate that ISCCS offers advantages of higher efficiency, low cost reliable power and on the same time sends a green message by reducing the environmental impacts in our existing power plant systems.

The irruption of renewable energy sources with power electronics interfaces is transforming power systems. To minimize the possible adverse effects that these generating systems may have on the power grid, transmission system operators define different strategies, such as increasing the active power reserves for frequency control and power balancing purposes, and require all connected systems to comply with various rules and regulations. In an effort to better integrate these renewable sources in power systems, some power converter controllers have been proposed that aim at reproducing certain features of conventional synchronous machines. This work deals with the analysis of the impact that large power-electronics-based power plants, in the range of hundreds of megawatts, have on the stability of power systems. First, the main characteristics of these advanced controllers, sometimes referred to as virtual synchronous machines, are reviewed, and their constituting blocks are systematically classified. This classification allows performing a detailed comparison of different aspects regarding their implementation and dynamics. The proposals usually found in the literature are compared in terms of their need for ancillary synchronization systems, their ability to energize a grid, or their effectiveness to limit the current injected during a fault and keep the converters connected to the grid. Additionally, time-domain simulations comparing the response of power converters employing these controllers are carried out and analyzed. Afterwards, since the study of power system stability requires adequate models of the elements interacting with the system, the modeling of an actual 100 MW photovoltaic power plant, consisting of 100 power converters, is addressed. Thus, a detailed model of the power plant is developed, considering a single-phase equivalent for transient stability studies in balanced systems. This model includes the internal network buses, cables, and transformers, and the power converters with their control systems and primary resources. Moreover, the model is implemented in a flexible way that allows considering power converters employing conventional controllers or synchronous power controllers, and the photovoltaic resource can be replaced by a storage system. Furthermore, a method to derive an equivalent model of power plants employing these advanced controllers is developed, and three equivalent models of the power plant, with different degrees of detail, are implemented employing this method. These models allow reducing the complexity of the original model and its associated computational burden, while reproducing its dynamics with accuracy, making them more suitable for the analysis of power systems with a large number of generating units, loads, passive elements, and controllers. Finally, the stability of power systems integrating this type of generating stations is analyzed. A first analysis is carried out in a 12-bus test system, considering a simpler model of the plant where the photovoltaic characteristics are modeled only through an active power limitation, and comparing the impact of these plants as the solar penetration grows, up to a 50% level. This is followed by the analysis of the power system of northern Chile, considering the actual location of the power plant previously modeled, and including the full detail of the photovoltaic resource. Lastly, the impact of hybrid power plants consisting of a synchronous generator and a photovoltaic system, with different configurations with the possibility of curtailing the solar production or employing a storage system, is assessed. These analyses comprise the study of the eigenvalues of the system and its response to different types of events through time-domain simulation, and prove the ability of the studied controllers to increase the damping of the system , to reduce the oscillations suffered by other generators, and to limit maximum frequency deviations.
La irrupción de fuentes de energía renovables como la energía solar fotovoltaica está transformando los sistemas eléctricos. Para minimizar los posibles efectos adversos sobre la red eléctrica de los sistemas de generación conectados mediante convertidores de electrónica de potencia, los operadores de los sistemas eléctricos definen diferentes estrategias y exigen que todos los sistemas conectados a la red cumplan diferentes normas. Con el objetivo de permitir una mejor integración de estas fuentes renovables, se han propuesto varios controladores de convertidores de potencia que intentan reproducir algunas características de las máquinas síncronas convencionales. Esta tesis trata sobre el análisis del impacto que las centrales eléctricas de grandes dimensiones basadas en electrónica de potencia tienen en la estabilidad de los sistemas eléctricos. En primer lugar, se clasifican estos controladores avanzados, lo que permite realizar una comparación detallada de varios aspectos relacionados con su implementación y su dinámica. Las propuestas más comunes se comparan en cuanto a su necesidad de sistemas de sincronización auxiliares, su habilidad para energizar una red, o su efectividad a la hora de limitar la corriente inyectada durante una falta y mantener los convertidores conectados a la red. Además, se realizan y analizan simulaciones de la respuesta de convertidores de potencia que utilizan estos controladores. A continuación, se presenta el modelado de una planta fotovoltaica real de 100 MW formada por 100 convertidores de potencia, considerando su equivalente monofásico para estudios de estabilidad transitoria en sistemas equilibrados. Este modelo incluye los terminales, cables y transformadores de la red interna, así como los convertidores de potencia con sus sistemas de control y recursos primarios. Además, el modelo está diseñado de manera flexible, permitiendo considerar controladores convencionales o controladores de potencia síncronos, y el recurso fotovoltaico se puede sustituir por un sistema de almacenamiento. Adicionalmente, se desarrolla un método para calcular un modelo equivalente de las centrales eléctricas que utilizan esta clase de controladores avanzados y se obtienen tres modelos equivalentes de la planta, con distintos niveles de detalle. Estos modelos permiten reducir la complejidad del modelo original y su carga computacional asociada, al mismo tiempo que reproducen su dinámica con precisión, haciéndolos más adecuados para el análisis de sistemas eléctricos con un gran número de unidades de generación, cargas, elementos pasivos y controladores. Finalmente, se analiza la estabilidad de sistemas eléctricos que integran este tipo de plantas generadoras. Se lleva a cabo un primer análisis en un sistema de pruebas de doce barras, considerando un modelo más sencillo de la planta donde las características fotovoltaicas se modelan únicamente mediante una limitación de la potencia activa, y se compara el impacto de estas plantas en distintos escenarios con una penetración solar creciente, llegando a un nivel del 50% de la generación total. Después, se analiza el Sistema Interconectado del Norte Grande de Chile, teniendo en cuenta la situación real de la planta modelada previamente e incluyendo el recurso fotovoltaico en detalle. Por último, se evalúa el impacto que pueden tener las plantas híbridas formadas por un generador síncrono y un sistema fotovoltaico, con diferentes configuraciones con la posibilidad de reservar parte de la producción solar o utilizar un sistema de almacenamiento. Estos análisis comprenden el estudio tanto de los valores propios del sistema como de su respuesta a diferentes tipos de eventos mediante simulaciones en el dominio del tiempo, y demuestran la capacidad de los controladores estudiados para incrementar el amortiguamiento del sistema, reducir las oscilaciones a las que se ven sometidos otros generadores y limitar las máximas desviaciones de frecuencia.

Computational fluid dynamics was used to simulate solar chimney power plants and investigate modeling techniques and expected energy output from the system. The solar chimney consists of three primary parts: a collector made of a transparent material such as glass, a tower made of concrete located at the center of the collector, and a turbine that is typically placed at the bottom of the tower. The collector absorbs solar radiation and heats the air below, whereby air flows inward towards the tower. As air exits at the top of the tower, more air is drawn below the collector repeating the process. The turbine converts pressure within the flow into power. The study investigated three validation cases to numerically model the system properly. Modeling the turbine as a pressure drop allows for the turbine power output to be calculated while not physically modeling the turbine. The numerical model was used to investigate air properties, such as velocity, temperature, and pressure. The results supported the claim that increasing the energy into the system increased both the velocities and temperatures. Also, increasing the turbine pressure drop decreases the velocities and increases the temperatures within the system. In addition to the numerical model, analytical models representing the vertical velocity without the turbine and the maximum power output from a specific chimney were used to investigate the effects on the flow when varying the geometry. Increasing the height of the tower increased the vertical velocity and power output, and increasing the diameter increased the power output. Dimensionless variables were used in a regression analysis to develop a predictive equation for power output. The predictive equation was tested with new simulations and was shown to be in very good agreement.
Master of Science

Thesis (MScEng (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2000.
A solar chimney power plant consists of a central chimney that is surrounded by a transparent canopy located a few meters above ground level. The ground beneath this canopy or collector as it is known is heated by the solar radiation that is effectively trapped by the collector. This in turn heats the air in the collector, which flows radially inwards towards the chimney. This movement is driven by the difference between the hydrostatic pressure of the air inside- and outside the solar chimney system. The energy is extracted from the air by a turbine driven generator situated at the base of the chimney. The performance of such a solar chimney power plant is evaluated in this study making use of a detailed mathematical model. In this model the relevant discretised energy and draught equations are deduced and solved to determine the performance of a specific plant referred to as the "reference plant". This plant is to be located at a site near Sishen in the Northern Cape in South Africa where meteorological data is available. The performance characteristics of this plant are presented using values from the 21 st of December as an example. These characteristics include the instantaneous and integrated power output, as well as the absorption of the solar radiation of each of the parts of the collector. The air temperatures throughout the plant and the convective heat transfer coefficients in the collector in the region of developing and fully developed flow are presented. The pressure of the air throughout the system is presented as well as the pressure drop over the turbine. Temperature distributions in the ground below the collector are also presented and discussed.

Although the thermodynamic advantages of using solar energy to replace the bled off steam in the regeneration system of Rankine cycle coal fired power stations has been proven theoretically, the practical techno/economic feasibility of the concept has yet to be confirmed relative to real power station applications. To investigate this concept further, computer modelling software “THERMSOLV” was specifically developed for this project at Deakin University, together with the support of the Victorian power industry and Australian Research Council (ARC). This newly developed software simulates the steam cycle to assess the techno/economic merit of the solar aided concept for various power station structures, locations and local electricity market conditions. Two case studies, one in Victoria Australia and one in Yunnan Province, China, have been carried out with the software. Chapter one of this thesis defines the aims and scope of this study. Chapter two details the literature search in the related areas for this study. The thermodynamic concept of solar aid power generation technology has been described in chapter three. In addition, thermodynamic analysis i.e. exergy/availability has been described in this chapter. The “Thermosolv” software developed in this study is detailed in chapter four with its structure, functions and operation manual included. In chapter five the outcomes of two case studies using the “Thermosolv” software are presented, with discussions and conclusions about the study in chapters 6 and 7 respectfully. The relevant recommendations are then made in chapter eight.

Thesis (MScEng (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Solar energy is by far the greatest energy resource available to generate power. One of the difficulties of using solar energy is that it is not available 24 hours per day - some form of storage is required if electricity generation at night or during cloudy periods is necessary. If a combined cycle power plant is used to obtain higher efficiencies, and reduce the cost of electricity, storage will allow the secondary cycle to operate independently of the primary cycle. This study focuses on the use of packed beds of rock or slag, with air as a heat transfer medium, to store thermal energy in a solar thermal power plant at temperatures sufficiently high for a Rankine steam cycle. Experimental tests were done in a packed bed test section to determine the validity of existing equations and models for predicting the pressure drop and fluid temperatures during charging and discharging. Three different sets of rocks were tested, and the average size, specific heat capacity and density of each set were measured. Rock and slag samples were also thermally cycled between average temperatures of 30 ºC and 510 ºC in an oven. The classical pressure drop equation significantly under-predicts the pressure drop at particle Reynolds numbers lower than 3500. It appears that the pressure drop through a packed bed is proportional to the 1.8th power of the air flow speed at particle Reynolds numbers above about 500. The Effectiveness-NTU model combined with a variety of heat transfer correlations is able to predict the air temperature trend over the bed within 15 % of the measured temperature drop over the packed bed. Dolerite and granite rocks were also thermally cycled 125 times in an oven without breaking apart, and may be suitable for use as thermal storage media at temperatures of approximately 500 ºC. The required volume of a packed bed of 0.1 m particles to store the thermal energy from the exhaust of a 100 MWe gas turbine operating for 8 hours is predicted to be 24 × 103 m3, which should be sufficient to run a 25-30 MWe steam cycle for over 10 hours. This storage volume is of a similar magnitude to existing molten salt thermal storage.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sonenergie is die grootste energiebron wat gebruik kan word vir krag opwekking. ‘n Probleem met die gebruik van sonenergie is dat die son nie 24 uur per dag skyn nie. Dit is dus nodig om die energie te stoor indien dit nodig sal wees om elektrisiteit te genereer wanneer die son nie skyn nie. ‘n Gekombineerde kringloop kan gebruik word om ‘n hoër benuttingsgraad te bereik en elektrisiteit goedkoper te maak. Dit sal dan moontlik wees om die termiese energie uit die primêre kringloop te stoor, wat die sekondêre kringloop onafhanklik van die primêre kringloop sal maak. Dié gevalle studie ondersoek die gebruik van ‘n slakof- klipbed met lug as hitteoordragmedium, om te bepaal of dit moontlik is om hitte te stoor teen ‘n temperatuur wat hoog genoeg is om ‘n Rankine stoom kringloop te bedryf. Eksperimentele toetse is in ‘n toets-bed gedoen en die drukverandering oor die bed en die lug temperatuur is gemeet en vergelyk met voorspelde waardes van vergelykings en modelle in die literatuur. Drie soorte klippe was getoets. Die gemiddelde grootte, spesifieke hitte-kapasiteit en digtheid van elke soort klip is gemeet. Klip en slak monsters is ook siklies tussen temperature van 30 ºC en 510 ºC verkoel en verhit. Die klassieke drukverlies vergelyking gee laer waardes as wat gemeet is vir Reynolds nommers minder as 3500. Dit blyk dat die drukverlies deur ‘n klipbed afhanklik is van die lug vloeispoed tot die mag 1.8 as die Reynolds nommer groter as omtrent 500 is. Die ‘Effectiveness-NTU’ model gekombineerd met ‘n verskeidenheid van hitteoordragskoeffisiënte voorspel temperature binne 15 % van die gemete temperatuur verskil oor die bed. Doloriet en graniet klippe het 125 sikliese toetse ondergaan sonder om te breek, en is miskien gepas vir gebruik in ‘n klipbed by temperature van sowat 500 ºC Die voorspelde volume van ‘n klipbed wat uit 0.1 m klippe bestaan wat die termiese energie vir 8 ure uit die uitlaat van ‘n 100 MWe gasturbiene kan stoor, is 24 × 103 m3. Dit behoort genoeg te wees om ‘n 25 – 30 MWe stoom kringloop vir ten minste 10 ure te bedryf. Die volume is min of meer gelyk aan dié van gesmelte sout store wat alreeds gebou is.

Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2011.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 36-37).
This is an analysis assessing the installation costs of different solar power plant technologies and the current commercial availability for installation on the Island or Roatàn. Commercial large-scale power plants have been in use for decades and their technical feasibility has been documented as well as their high installation costs. Roatàn is currently seeking alternatives for powering their island. This thesis explores the initial costs of the solar power options currently available to the island, focusing on the large energy storage requirements needed for the island to be powered entirely off of sunlight.
by Ethan Huwe.
S.B.

While photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy production has surged, concerns remain about whether or not PV power plants induce a "heat island" (PVHI) effect, much like the increase in ambient temperatures relative to wildlands generates an Urban Heat Island effect in cities. Transitions to PV plants alter the way that incoming energy is reflected back to the atmosphere or absorbed, stored, and reradiated because PV plants change the albedo, vegetation, and structure of the terrain. Prior work on the PVHI has been mostly theoretical or based upon simulated models. Furthermore, past empirical work has been limited in scope to a single biome. Because there are still large uncertainties surrounding the potential for a PHVI effect, we examined the PVHI empirically with experiments that spanned three biomes. We found temperatures over a PV plant were regularly 3-4 degrees C warmer than wildlands at night, which is in direct contrast to other studies based on models that suggested that PV systems should decrease ambient temperatures. Deducing the underlying cause and scale of the PVHI effect and identifying mitigation strategies are key in supporting decision-making regarding PV development, particularly in semiarid landscapes, which are among the most likely for large-scale PV installations.

The research focused on renewable energy storage using hydrogen-rich materials. These materials can store thermochemical heat energy used as thermal batteries in concentrated solar power plants. High-temperature metal hydrides have been identified as the next-generation thermal batteries for concentrated solar power plants. They have higher energy densities than conventional energy storage materials such as molten salts. I believe our research's innovative and multifaceted approach can provide enhanced green energy production and hence reduce CO2 emissions.

Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Up to this point in time research on the South African solar chimney, proposed for a site in the Northern Cape, comprised of determining the structural integrity of the chimney structure, as well as airflow calculation, finding the optimal shape for the airflow channels. Not much work had been done on the realisation of the foundation of the global structure, i.e. how the cardinal parts are optimized in an integrated system. The inlet guide vanes (IGV's) should be central in such research efforts, being the main support of gravitational and lateral wind load on the chimney structure, as well as its important role in channelling air and creating pre-swirl of the airflow onto the turbine blades. However, little detailed research - research to actually determine and fix the many variables of the IGV's and integration with surrounding parts - had been performed! In this thesis as many of these variables as possible are investigated - ranging from structural integrity with regard to compressive and shear strength through optimizing structure eigenfrequency to economic feasibility. The outcome of this study is conceptual solutions regarding the geometry of the IGV structures in order for it to support the chimney while minimizing material volume. Finite element methods are used to create insight into the behaviour of the IGV's and force transferring structures, incorporating external factors such as lateral wind and gravitational loadsto determine the optimal shape of these structures. This study is valuable for researchers on the solar chimney, serving as a reference from where to design and secure the variables of the global structure, and eventually building the solar chimney. Keywords: Solar chimney, inlet guide vanes, solar power, massive concrete structures, structural realisation, finite element application, structure optimisation.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Tot op hede het die navorsing op die Suid Afrikaanse sonskoorsteen, wat beplan word vir konstruksie in die Noordkaap, bestaan uit die bepaling van die integriteit van die struktuur asook lugvloei berekeninge om die optimale vorm van die lugvloei kanale te lewer. Min werk is gedoen om die fondasies van die globale struktuur, dus hoe die kardinale dele geïntegreer is in die gesamentlike sisteem, te ondersoek. Die inlaat lei lemme behoort sentraal te lê in sulke navorsingspogings aangesien dit die hoof ondersteuner en verspreider van gravitasie en laterale windlaste op die skoorsteen struktuur is. Dit speelook 'n integrale rol in die kanalisering van invloeiende lug om dit vooraf 'n vorteks beweging te gee vir 'n optimale invalshoek op die turbine lemme. Min gedetaileerde navorsing - navorsing om die verskeie onbekende faktore rondom die inlaat lei lemme en die omliggende strukture te bepaal - is tot op hede gedoen. Hierdie tesis mik om soveel moontlik van hierdie veranderlikes - wat reik van struktuur integriteit met betrekking tot die samedrukkings- en skuifsterktes in die materiaal tot die eie-frekwensies en ekonomiese vatbaarheid van die struktuur - vas te stel. Die uitkoms van hierdie studie is konseptueie oplossings vir die geometrie van die inlaat lei lem strukture wat terselfdertyd die totale struktuur se materiaal volume minimiseer. Eindige element metodes word gebruik om insig in die gedrag van die inlaat lei lemme en ander strukture wat krag oordra, te genereer. Die metodes inkorporeer soveel as moontlik van die eksterne faktore soos gravitasie en laterale windlas om die optimale geometrie vir die betrokke struktuur te bepaal. Hierdie studie is waardevol vir navorsers oor die sonskoorsteen en dien as 'n bron waaruit verdere ontwerp en die vasstel van veranderlikes in die globale struktuur gedoen kan word met die oog op die uiteindelike daarstelling van 'n sonskoorsteen.

Doutoramento em Engenharia Mecânica
The PhD project addresses the potential of using concentrating solar power (CSP) plants as a viable alternative energy producing system in Libya. Exergetic, energetic, economic and environmental analyses are carried out for a particular type of CSP plants. The study, although it aims a particular type of CSP plant – 50 MW parabolic trough-CSP plant, it is sufficiently general to be applied to other configurations. The novelty of the study, in addition to modeling and analyzing the selected configuration, lies in the use of a state-of-the-art exergetic analysis combined with the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The modeling and simulation of the plant is carried out in chapter three and they are conducted into two parts, namely: power cycle and solar field. The computer model developed for the analysis of the plant is based on algebraic equations describing the power cycle and the solar field. The model was solved using the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software; and is designed to define the properties at each state point of the plant and then, sequentially, to determine energy, efficiency and irreversibility for each component. The developed model has the potential of using in the preliminary design of CSPs and, in particular, for the configuration of the solar field based on existing commercial plants. Moreover, it has the ability of analyzing the energetic, economic and environmental feasibility of using CSPs in different regions of the world, which is illustrated for the Libyan region in this study. The overall feasibility scenario is completed through an hourly analysis on an annual basis in chapter Four. This analysis allows the comparison of different systems and, eventually, a particular selection, and it includes both the economic and energetic components using the “greenius” software. The analysis also examined the impact of project financing and incentives on the cost of energy. The main technological finding of this analysis is higher performance and lower levelized cost of electricity (LCE) for Libya as compared to Southern Europe (Spain). Therefore, Libya has the potential of becoming attractive for the establishment of CSPs in its territory and, in this way, to facilitate the target of several European initiatives that aim to import electricity generated by renewable sources from North African and Middle East countries. The analysis is presented a brief review of the current cost of energy and the potential of reducing the cost from parabolic trough- CSP plant. Exergetic and environmental life cycle assessment analyses are conducted for the selected plant in chapter Five; the objectives are 1) to assess the environmental impact and cost, in terms of exergy of the life cycle of the plant; 2) to find out the points of weakness in terms of irreversibility of the process; and 3) to verify whether solar power plants can reduce environmental impact and the cost of electricity generation by comparing them with fossil fuel plants, in particular, Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC) plant and oil thermal power plant. The analysis also targets a thermoeconomic analysis using the specific exergy costing (SPECO) method to evaluate the level of the cost caused by exergy destruction. The main technological findings are that the most important contribution impact lies with the solar field, which reports a value of 79%; and the materials with the vi highest impact are: steel (47%), molten salt (25%) and synthetic oil (21%). The “Human Health” damage category presents the highest impact (69%) followed by the “Resource” damage category (24%). In addition, the highest exergy demand is linked to the steel (47%); and there is a considerable exergetic demand related to the molten salt and synthetic oil with values of 25% and 19%, respectively. Finally, in the comparison with fossil fuel power plants (NGCC and Oil), the CSP plant presents the lowest environmental impact, while the worst environmental performance is reported to the oil power plant followed by NGCC plant. The solar field presents the largest value of cost rate, where the boiler is a component with the highest cost rate among the power cycle components. The thermal storage allows the CSP plants to overcome solar irradiation transients, to respond to electricity demand independent of weather conditions, and to extend electricity production beyond the availability of daylight. Numerical analysis of the thermal transient response of a thermocline storage tank is carried out for the charging phase. The system of equations describing the numerical model is solved by using time-implicit and space-backward finite differences and which encoded within the Matlab environment. The analysis presented the following findings: the predictions agree well with the experiments for the time evolution of the thermocline region, particularly for the regions away from the top-inlet. The deviations observed in the near-region of the inlet are most likely due to the high-level of turbulence in this region due to the localized level of mixing resulting; a simple analytical model to take into consideration this increased turbulence level was developed and it leads to some improvement of the predictions; this approach requires practically no additional computational effort and it relates the effective thermal diffusivity to the mean effective velocity of the fluid at each particular height of the system. Altogether the study indicates that the selected parabolic trough-CSP plant has the edge over alternative competing technologies for locations where DNI is high and where land usage is not an issue, such as the shoreline of Libya.
O projeto de Doutoramento aborda o potencial de usar centrais de energia solar concentrada (CSP) como um sistema de produção de energia alternativa disponível na Líbia. Uma análise nas vertentes exergética, energética, económica e ambiental foi realizada para um tipo particular destas centrais – um sistema de 50 MW com receção parabólica, porém ela é suficientemente geral para ser aplicada a outras configurações. A originalidade do estudo, para além da modelação e análise da configuração selecionada encontra-se na utilização do estado da arte em termos da análise exergética combinada com a avaliação do ciclo de vida (LCA). A modelação e simulação da central CSP selecionada são efetuadas no terceiro capítulo tendo em consideração as duas componentes: ciclo de potência e campo de coletores solar. O modelo computacional para a análise do sistema foi desenvolvido com base em equações algébricas que descrevem o sistema, e que são resolvidas usando o software EES. Deste modo, são definidas as propriedades em cada ponto de interesse para os diferentes elementos do sistema, o que assim permite determinar as energias, eficiências e irreversibilidades desses elementos. O modelo desenvolvido tem o potencial de se tornar uma ferramenta de grande utilidade para o projeto preliminar de engenharia de centrais CSP, e também para a avaliação da eventual reconfiguração de centrais elétricas solares comerciais em operação. Além disso, o modelo pode ser utilizado no estudo de viabilidade da operação de centrais CSP, através da análise energética, económica e ambiental, para regiões diferentes da que foi escolhida no presente estudo -Trípoli (Líbia). O cenário total da viabilidade da operação da central CSP é completado através da análise horária com base anual apresentada no quarto capítulo. Esta análise permite a comparação de diferentes sistemas e, eventualmente permite fazer a seleção com base nas componentes económicas e energéticas, que são determinadas dentro do contexto do software greenius. A análise também toma em conta o impacto de financiamento e incentivos dados aos projetos no custo da produção de energia. O principal resultado desta análise é a verificação que o desempenho é mais elevado, com o consequente menor custo nivelado da eletricidade, para a Líbia em comparação com o Sul da Europa (Espanha). Assim a Líbia tem o potencial de se tornar um candidato atrativo para o estabelecimento de centrais CSP com o objetivo, como foi considerado em várias iniciativas europeias, de exportar eletricidade gerada através de fontes de energia renováveis de países do Norte de África e Médio Oriente para a Europa. A análise apresenta uma breve revisão do custo corrente da eletricidade e o potencial para reduzir o custo da energia a partir da tecnologia de receção parabólica de centrais CSP. A avaliação do ciclo de vida com base exergética (ELCA) e a avaliação do ciclo de vida convencional são realizadas para a centrais CSP específicas no quinto capítulo. Os objetivos são 1) avaliar o impacto ambiental e custo, em termos de do ciclo iv de vida exergético do sistema; 2) identificar pontos fracos em termos da irreversibilidade dos processos; e 3) verificar se as centrais CSP podem reduzir o impacto ambiental e o custo de geração de eletricidade em comparação com centrais que consomem combustível fóssil. O capítulo ainda apresenta uma análise termoeconómica com base na metodologia do custo específico da exergia (SPECO), que avalia o custo relacionado com a destruição de exergia. A análise verificou que o impacto mais importante é a contribuição apresentada pelo campo solar (79%), e os materiais com maior impacto são: aço (47%), sal fundido (25%) e óleo sintético (21%). A análise ELCA mostra que a maior demanda de exergia é devida ao aço (47%); a análise existe uma considerável demanda de exergia relacionada com o sal fundido e ainda o óleo sintético. Em comparação com as centrais que consomem combustível fóssil (NGCC e óleo) a central sistema CSP apresenta menor impacto ambiental, enquanto o pior desempenho ambiental é o da central com queima de óleo seguida pela central a gás natural (NGCC). Na central CSP, o campo solar apresenta o custo mais elevado, enquanto o gerador de vapor, entre os componentes do ciclo de potência, apresenta o maior custo. O armazenamento de energia térmica permite que as centrais CSP superem a intermitência de radiação solar para responder à procura de energia elétrica independentemente das condições climáticas, e também possam estender a produção de eletricidade para além da disponibilidade da radiação solar diária. A análise numérica do transiente térmico de um sistema de armazenamento de gradiente térmico é realizada durante a fase de carregamento. O sistema de equações que descreve o modelo numérico é resolvido através da utilização de diferenças finitas implícitas no tempo usando o software Matlab. Os resultados da análise indicam que as previsões estão em boa concordância com os dados experimentais para a evolução no tempo da região de gradiente térmico, em particular para regiões mais afastadas da entrada. Nesta região os desvios observados são provavelmente causados pelo alto nível de turbulência devido à penetração do jato no seio do tanque de armazenamento. O modelo analítico simples para simular a turbulência que foi desenvolvido melhora os resultados. Esta abordagem não requer esforço computacional adicional e determina a difusidade térmica efetiva ao longo do tanque.

Thesis (PhD (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2002.
This project investigates the performance of solar chimney power plant turbines. A solar chimney power plant consists of a tall chimney surrounded by a transparent deck or solar collector. The sun heats the air in the collector through the greenhouse effect. A turbine extracts energy from the hot air rising up the chimney. An investigation of the requirements and operation of such turbines is needed. Correct matching of the turbine to the plant requires the determination of the turbine operational range and other requirements. An air-standard cycle analysis is extended to include component and system losses. Simple steady-state and transient collector models are added to take into account the coupling effect of the collector air temperature rise and mass flow rate on the turbine operation. The predicted turbine operational range for a representative day shows that the expected pressure drop in a full-scale solar chimney turbine is significantly higher than has previously been predicted. A turbine design method is developed and used to design a turbine for the representative day. The methods can easily be extended to include more operating points for a full year of operation. A turbine layout is suggested that uses the chimney support pillars as inlet guide vanes (IGVs). These introduce pre-whirl to the turbine and reduce the amount of exit whirl thus decreasing the kinetic energy at the turbine exit. Non-radial inlet guide vanes add to the torsional stiffness of the chimney base. A matrix throughflow method is used to design the radial to axial duct between the IGVs and rotor. The turbine blade profiles are simulated using a surface-vortex method. This is coupled to an optimisation scheme that minimises both the chord length and maximum flow velocity of the profile to reduce blade drag. An experimental program investigates the performance of the turbine. Volume flow, pressure drop, torque and speed are measured on a scale model turbine to map the turbine performance over a wide range. The velocity and pressure profiles are measured at two design points to investigate the flow through the turbine in more detail. These are compared to the design predictions and used to improve the design method. The experiments show that the design of a solar chimney turbine with a total-to-total efficiency of 85 % - 90 % and total-to-static efficiency of 75 % - 80 % is possible. Analysis of the experimental results shows that the turbine efficiency can be improved.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Concentrating solar power technology is a modern power generation technology in which central receiver systems play a significant role. For this technology a field of heliostats is used to reflect solar irradiation to the receiver located on top of the tower. An extensive review has shown that contemporary receiver designs face geometric complexities, lack of thermal efficiency as well as issues with durability and cost. The purpose of this study is to develop a new receiver concept that can potentially reduce these issues. A parametric analysis was used to identify potential means of improvement based on an energy balance approach including sensitivities involved with convection and radiation heat transfer. Design criteria such as the use of headers to minimize pressure drop was also investigated. Based on these findings the hybrid pressurized air receiver was developed which is a combination of tubular and volumetric receiver technologies. The fundamental idea of the receiver was investigated by simulating the ray-tracing and coupled natural convection and radiation heat transfer. The ray-tracing results have shown that the use of quartz glass is a prospective solution to higher allowable flux densities, but with reflection losses in the order of 7 %. The coupled natural convection heat transfer simulation further revealed that the receiver concept effectively eliminates the escape of buoyant plumes and radiative heat losses are minimized. Empirical data was gathered from a medium flux concentrator and good agreement with the numerical results was obtained. The thesis therefore concludes that the research outcomes were met. Ongoing research aims to optimise the receiver concept for a 5MW pilot plant.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Gekonsentreerde sonkrag tegnologie is ’n moderne kragopwekkingstegnologie waar sentrale ontvangersisteme ’n beduidende rol speel. Vir hierdie tegnologie word ’n veld heliostate gebruik om sonstraling na die ontvanger wat aan die bopunt van die toring geleë is te reflekteer. ’n Omvattende hersiening het daarop gewys dat kontemporêre ontwerpe van die ontvangers ’n aantal geometriese kompleksiteite, ’n tekort aan termiese doeltreffendheid sowel as probleme in terme van duursaamheid en koste in die gesig staar. Die doel van die studie is om ’n nuwe ontvangerskonsep te ontwikkel wat moontlik hierdie probleme kan verminder. ’n Parametriese analise is gebruik om potensiële maniere van verbetering aan te dui wat gebaseer is op ’n energiebalans benadering; insluitend sensitiwiteite betrokke by konvektiewe en stralingswarmteoordrag. Ontwerpkriteria soos die gebruik van spruitstukke om drukverliese te minimaliseer is ook ondersoek. Gebaseer op hierdie bevindinge is die hibriede saamgepersde-lug ontvanger ontwikkel. Laasgenoemde is ’n kombinasie van buis- en volumetriese ontvangertegnologie. Die fundamentele idee van die ontvanger is ondersoek deur straalberekening asook die gelyktydige natuurlike konveksie en stralingswarmteoordrag te simuleer. Die straalberekeningsresultate het getoon dat die gebruik van kwarts glas ’n moontlike oplossing is om hoër stralingsintensiteit te bereik, maar met refleksieverliese in die orde van 7 %. Die gelyktydige natuurlike konveksie en stralingswarmteoordrag simulasie het verder aan die lig gebring dat die ontvangerkonsep die ontsnapping

Renewable energy for energy production, like Solar, is turning out to be very pertinent in today's world [1]. It is very clear that Solar Energy is going to emerge as one of the key sources of energy in future. Moreover, the storage option is going to play an essential role to the future deployment of solar power plants. Concentrated solar power plants with thermal storage, photovoltaic plants integrated with battery energy storage, and hybrid plants are attractive solutions to obtain a stable and dispatchable energy production. Investors or policymakers usually find it challenging to come up with the most feasible solar storage technology because they need to consider techno-economic feasibility, and at the same time, from a market or administrative perspective as well. So, this thesis study will address the key problem which is aimed at investors or policymakers since there is a need to choose the best solar storage technology at a utility level in future based on so many attributes. The thesis project was carried out in two phases which includes forecast modelling & estimations and techno-economic assessment of virtual plants. These two phases helped to address various questions in relation to the problem statement of this study. The entire thesis study broadly covered seven countries spanning across four major regions around the world. The first phase of the thesis, forecast modelling estimations shows how the seven countries will look in future (2020 – 2050) with respect to installed capacity and costs for PV, CSP, and BESS technologies. Some major results from phase 1 include, in low-cost estimates, China will remain to be the market leader in PV & CSP by 2050. In U.S.A and India, the installed costs of PV are projected to decline by 70% by 2050. By 2050, the installed costs of Solar Tower technology are estimated to drop by about 65% in China and Spain. In U.S.A, the prices of BESS technology are likely to fall by around 58 – 60 % by 2050. In the second phase of thesis study, a techno-economic evaluation of virtual plants addressed the aspects which are to be considered for a solar project if it is deployed in future across seven specific countries. Results from this analysis helps investors or policymakers to choose the cheapest solar storage technology at a utility level across seven specific countries in future (2020 – 2050). Key results from this analysis show that, in the U.S.A, by 2050, PV+BESS will be the cheapest storage technology for 4 – 10 storage hours. Addition of another renewable technology will add up more viability to the comparison. In China, Hybrid will be the cheapest storage technology for 4 – 8 hrs by 2050. There is huge potential for deployment of CSP & hybrid plants in future than PV. In South Africa, CSP will be the cheapest storage technology by 2050 for 4 – 10 hours of storage. It is assumed that deployment of BESS projects at utility level starts from 2025 in South Africa. Beyond this, market forces analysis was carried out which offers insights especially for the policymakers of how various drivers and constraints are influencing each solar technology across the specific countries in future. Overall, the entire thesis study provides guidelines/insights to investors or policy makers for choosing the best solar storage technology in future at a utility scale for a particular country.
Förnybar energi för energiproduktion, liksom Solar, visar sig vara mycket relevant i dagens värld [1]. Det är mycket tydligt att solenergi kommer att framstå som en av de viktigaste energikällorna i framtiden. Dessutom kommer lagringsalternativet att spela en väsentlig roll för den framtida distributionen av solkraftverk. Koncentrerade solkraftverk med värmelagring, solcellsanläggningar integrerade med batterilagring och hybridanläggningar är attraktiva lösningar för att få en stabil och skickbar energiproduktion. Investerare eller beslutsfattare brukar tycka att det är utmanande att komma på den mest genomförbara solcellstekniken eftersom de måste överväga teknikekonomisk genomförbarhet, och samtidigt, ur ett marknads- eller administrativt perspektiv också. Så denna avhandlingsstudie kommer att ta itu med nyckelproblemet som riktar sig till investerare eller beslutsfattare eftersom det finns ett behov av att välja den bästa solenergilagringstekniken på en användningsnivå i framtiden baserat på så många attribut. Avhandlingsprojektet genomfördes i två faser som inkluderar prognosmodellering och uppskattningar och teknikekonomisk bedömning av virtuella anläggningar. Dessa två faser hjälpte till att ta itu med olika frågor i samband med problemstudien i denna studie. Hela avhandlingsstudien omfattade i stort sju länder som sträcker sig över fyra stora regioner runt om i världen. Den första fasen i avhandlingen, prognosmodelleringsuppskattningar visar hur de sju länderna kommer att se ut i framtiden (2020 - 2050) med avseende på installerad kapacitet och kostnader för PV-, CSP- och BESS -teknik. Några viktiga resultat från fas 1 inkluderar, i lågkostnadsuppskattningar, att Kina kommer att vara marknadsledande inom PV och CSP år 2050. I USA och Indien beräknas de installerade kostnaderna för PV minska med 70% år 2050. Av 2050 beräknas de installerade kostnaderna för Solar Tower -teknik sjunka med cirka 65% i Kina och Spanien. I USA kommer priserna på BESS -teknik sannolikt att sjunka med cirka 58 - 60 % år 2050. I den andra fasen av avhandlingsstudien behandlade en teknikekonomisk utvärdering av virtuella anläggningar de aspekter som ska övervägas för ett solprojekt om det används i framtiden i sju specifika länder. Resultaten från denna analys hjälper investerare eller beslutsfattare att välja den billigaste solenergilagringstekniken på en användningsnivå i sju specifika länder i framtiden (2020 - 2050). Viktiga resultat från denna analys visar att i USA, år 2050, kommer PV+BESS att vara den billigaste lagringstekniken på 4 - 10 lagringstimmar. Tillägg av en annan förnybar teknik kommer att öka jämförbarheten. I Kina kommer Hybrid att vara den billigaste lagringstekniken i 4-8 timmar fram till 2050. Det finns en enorm potential för distribution av CSP & hybridanläggningar i framtiden än PV. I Sydafrika kommer CSP att vara den billigaste lagringstekniken år 2050 för 4 - 10 timmars lagring. Det antas att distributionen av BESS -projekt på verktygsnivå börjar från 2025 i Sydafrika. Utöver detta genomfördes marknadskravsanalys som ger insikter speciellt för beslutsfattarna om hur olika drivkrafter och begränsningar påverkar varje solteknik i de specifika länderna i framtiden. Sammantaget ger hela avhandlingsstudien riktlinjer/insikter till investerare eller beslutsfattare för att välja den bästa solenergitekniken i framtiden i en nyttoskala för ett visst land.

The aim of this research is to design the communications monitoring and control functionalities of an energy-efficient, scalable system, capable of supporting robotic cleaning and fault detection of photovoltaic panels, deployed in solar electric power generation plants. The communication functionality is implemented by using a wireless sensor network (WSN) deployed over the photovoltaic energy production plant’s area. The network is designed to support the communication needs of static-sensing nodes as well as moving robotic units. It transports sensing data and commands between end units and the monitoring and control entity of the electric energy generation plant. Having robotic units replace humans in the cleaning and inspection tasks not only reduces the operational cost of the plant, but also results in increased energy production. Several innovations were necessary to achieve our objective, which are presented in this dissertation. A working prototype of the cleaning robotic system was built and tested in a solar power plant for a duration of 6 month. The prototyping was done in collaboration of Tipot technology.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Most rural African villages enjoy high levels of sunlight, but rolling out solar power generation technology to tap into this renewable energy resource at remote rural sites in Africa pose a number of design challenges. To meet these challenges, a project has been initiated to design, build and test/evaluate a knock down 3 kW peak electrical stand-alone self-tracking dual-axis concentrating solar power system. This study focusses on the mechatronic engineering aspects in the design and development of a dynamic mechatronic platform and digital electronic control system for the stand-alone concentrating solar power system. Design specifications require an accurate automatic positioner and control system for a motorized parabolic solar reflector with an optical solar harnessing capacity of 12 kWt at solar noon. It must be suitable for stand-alone rural power generation. This study presents a conceptual design and engineering prototype of a balanced cantilever tilt-and-swing dual-axis slew drive actuation means as mechatronic solar tracking mobility platform for a ∼12 m2 lightweight parabolic solar concentrator. Digital automation of the concentrated solar platform is implemented using an industrial Siemens S7-1200 programmable logic controller (PLC) with digital remote control interfacing, pulse width modulated direct current driving, and electronic open loop/closed loop solar tracking control. The design and prototype incorporates off-the-shelf components to support local manufacturing at reduced cost and generally meets the goal of delivering a dynamic mechatronic platform for a concentrating solar power system that is easy to transport, assemble and install at remote rural sites in Africa. Real-time experiments, conducted in the summer of South Africa, validated and established the accuracy of the engineering prototype positioning system. It shows that the as-designed and -built continuous solar tracking performs to an optical accuracy of better than 1.0◦ on both the azimuth and elevation tracking axes; and which is also in compliance with the pre-defined design specifications. Structural aspects of the prototype parabolic dish are evaluated and optimized by other researchers while the Stirling and power handling units are under development in parallel projects. Ultimately, these joint research projects aim to produce a locally manufactured knock down do-it-yourself concentrated solar power generation kit, suitable for deployment into Africa.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Landelike gebiede in Afrika geniet hoë vlakke van sonskyn, maar die ontwerp van betroubare sonkrag tegnologie vir die benutting van hierdie hernubare energie hulpbron by afgeleë gebiede in Afrika bied verskeie uitdagings. Om hierdie uitdagings te oorkom, is ’n projek van stapel gestuur om ’n afbreekbare 3 kW piek elektriese alleenstaande selfaangedrewe dubbel-as son-konsentreeder te ontwerp, bou en te toets. Hierdie studies fokus op die megatroniese ingenieurs-aspekte in die ontwerp en ontwikkeling van ’n dinamiese megatroniese platform en ’n digitale elektroniese beheerstelsel vir die alleenstaande gekonsentreerde sonkrag stelsel. Ontwerp spesifikasies vereis ’n akkurate outomatiese posisionering en beheer stelsel vir ’n motor aangedrewe paraboliese son reflekteerder met ’n optiesekollekteer- kapasiteit van 12 kWt by maksimum sonhoogte, en veral geskik wees vir afgeleë sonkrag opwekking. Hierdie studie lewer ’n konsepsuele ontwerp en ingenieurs-prototipe van ’n gebalanseerde dubbelas swaai-en-kantel swenkrat aandrywingsmeganisme as megatroniese sonvolg platform vir ’n ∼12 m2 liggewig paraboliese son konsentreerder. Digitale outomatisering van die son konsentreerder platform is geimplementeer op ’n industriële Siemens S7-1200 programmeerbare logiese beheerder (PLB) met ’n digitale afstandbeheer koppelvlak, puls-wydte-gemoduleerde gelykstroom aandrywing en elektroniese ooplus en geslote-lus sonvolg beheer. Die ontwerp en prototipe maak gebruik van beskikbare komponente om lae-koste plaaslike vervaardiging te ondersteun en slaag in die algemeen in die doel om ’n dinamiese megatroniese platform vir ’n gekonsentreerde sonkrag stelsel te lewer wat maklik vervoer, gebou en opgerig kan word op afgeleë persele in Afrika. Intydse eksperimente is gedurende die somer uitgevoer om die akkuraatheid van die prototipe posisionering sisteem te evalueer. Dit toon dat die sisteem die son deurlopend volg met ’n akkuraatheid beter as 1.0◦ op beide die azimut en elevasie sonvolg asse, wat voldoen aan die ontwerp spesifikasies. Strukturele aspekte van die prototipe paraboliese skottel word deur ander navorsers geëvalueer en verbeter terwyl die Stirling-eenheid en elektriese sisteme in parallelle projekte ontwikkel word. Die uiteindelike doel met hierdie groepnavorsing is om ’n plaaslik vervaardigde doen-dit-self sonkrag eenheid te ontwikkel wat in Afrika ontplooi kan word.

Sizing renewable energy power plants with storage devices needs new resource assessment. Global amount of energy available has to be replaced by time series to depict the resource as a function of time. This paper introduces methodology to generate time series for wind speed and solar irradiance with a granularity between 10minutes and 1seconde. Ground measurements and macro-date from satellite imagery are analyzed and processed to obtain long-term site-specific time series. Because renewable energy forecasting is a growing concern, a second part of the work presents how to modify previously generated profiles in order to obtain forecasts with an expected error.

Concentrating solar power plants can integrate cost-effective thermal energy storage systems and thereby supply controllable power on demand, an advantage against other renewable technologies. Storage integration allows a solar thermal power plant to increase its load factor and to shift production to periods of peak demand. It also enables output firmness, providing stability to the power block and to the grid. Thus, despite the additional investment, storage can enhance the performance and economic viability of the plants. However, the levelized cost of electricity of these plants yet remains higher than for other technologies, so projects today are only viable through the provision of incentives or technology-specific competitive bid tenders. It is the variability of the solar resource, the myriad roles that storage can assume, and the complexity of enhancing the synergies between the solar field, the storage and the power block, what makes the development of adequate policy instruments, design and operation of these plants a challenging process. In this thesis a comprehensive methodology for the pre-design and analysis of concentrating solar power plants is presented. The methodology is based on a techno-economic modeling approach that allows identifying optimum trade-off curves between technical, environmental, and financial performance indicators. A number of contemporary plant layouts and novel storage and hybridization concepts are assessed to identify optimum plant configurations, in terms of component size and storage dispatch strategies. Conclusions highlight the relevance between the sizing of key plant components, the operation strategy and the boundaries set by the location. The interrelation between critical performance indicators, and their use as decisive parameters, is also discussed. Results are used as a basis to provide recommendations aimed to support the decision making process of key actors along the project development value chain of the plants. This research work and conclusions are primarily meant to set a stepping stone in the research of concentrating solar power plant design and optimization, but also to support the research towards understanding the value of storage in concentrating solar power plants and in the grid.
Koncentrerad solkraft erbjuder möjligheten att integrera kostnadseffektiv termisk energilagring och därmed behovsstyrd kraftkontroll. Detta är en viktig fördel jämfört med andra förnybara energiteknologier. Lagringsintegration tillåter solkraftsanläggningar att öka sin lastfaktor och skifta produktion till tider med största efterfrågan. Vidare möjliggör lagring fast elproduktion vilket leder till förbättrad nät- och kraftturbinstabilitet. Därför kan termisk lagring öka anläggningsprestanda och ekonomiskt värde trots ökande initiala kapitalkostnader. I termer av specifik elproduktionskostnad (LCOE) ligger koncentrerade solkraftsanläggningar med lagring fortfarande högre än andra kraftteknologier och anläggningsprojekt blir endast lönsamma genom subventionsmodeller eller teknologispecifika konkurrensutsatta anbudsförfaranden. Att hitta adekvata policylösningar och optimala design och operationsstrategier är en utmanande process eftersom det gäller att hitta rätt balans mellan variabel solinstrålning, lagring av energi och tid för produktion genom optimal design och operation av solmottagarfält, kraftblock och lagringskapacitet. I denna avhandling presenteras en omfattande metodik för pre-design och analys av koncentrerande solkraftverk. Metodiken baseras på en tekno-ekonomisk modelleringsansats som möjliggör identifiering av optimala avvägningssamband för tekniska, ekonomiska och miljöprestanda indikatorer. Metodiken tillämpas på ett antal moderna anläggningslayouter  och lagrings- och hybridiseringskoncept för att identifiera optimal kraftanläggningsdesign i termer av komponentprestanda och lagringsanvändningsstrategier. I slutsatsen poängteras relevansen av att hitta rätt storlek på nyckelkomponenter i relation till lagringsstrategi och randvillkoren som ges av konstruktionsläget för optimal ekonomisk och miljömässig prestanda. Resultaten används för att formulera rekommendationer till nyckelaktörer i beslutsprocessen genom hela kraftanläggningens värdekedja från politisk beslutsfattare till anläggningsingenjör. Forskningen och slutsatserna i detta arbete skall i första hand ta ett steg framåt för optimering och design av solkraftsanläggningar men även tillhandahålla en metodik för utvärdering av lagringslösningar och dess specifika värde för solkraftsanläggningar och elnätet.

QC 20160829

Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) have proven to be a more stable and feasible source of energy than heir single source counterparts. The benefit of HRES is their ability to balance the stochastic behavior of wind and solar production. As result of this, they have been used as stand-alone systems with great success. Optimization studies in the field have shown optimum sizing of the components in the system to be a key element in order to increase feasibility. This paper focuses on the HRES impact on internal grid design and cost. The goal of the thesis is to create a mathematical function and graph on the internal grid design/cost relation for a virtual site with varying wind speed and solar irradiation. A secondary goal is to analyze how much Photovoltaics (PV) in Megawatt (MW) that can be connected to the internal grid post realization of the wind farm and to performed this analyze on the two specific case projects, Site A (17.25 MW) in Sweden and Site B (51.75 MW) in Italy. By utilizing a case study methodology, a mathematical model was created based on two case projects, both with potential to be a combined Wind-PV hybrid plants provided by the wind developer OX2. Identifiers for the two cases studied in this thesis where removed with respect to OX2’s ongoing projects. Hybrid renewable energy systems is a method of increasing the utilization of a regions RES, the system has an increase in overall power output compared to the single RES alternative. However, the internal grid cost was shown to be 3.85 % more expensive Site A and 5.3 % in Site B. This stood in direct correlation to the HRES in Site A using 8.6 % more cable for its internal grid and 29.7 % more in Site B, this is highly depending (depending on the location of the PV array). Furthermore, the case projects showed that the maximum PV to be connected post realization of the farm without major curtailment would be 11.5% of the wind farms rated power in the case of site A and 67.6 % in the case of Site B. Variations in wind speed and solar irradiation were shown to have some impact on grid cost. However, the results pointed out that grid cost in HRES is to a higher degree affected by total cable length in the internal grid than fluctuation in available energy sources. The extent of increase in cable length, the total grid investment cost rises up to 53.4 % for the two case projects.

The need for modern energy systems to embrace the requirements of energy security, sustainability and affordability in their designs has placed emphatic importance on exploitation of renewable resources, such as solar and wind energy, etc. However, these resources often lead to reduced reliability and dispatchability of energy systems; less-efficient conversion processes; high cost of power production; etc. One promising way to ameliorate these challenges is through hybridization of renewable energy resources, and by using organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for power generation. Thus, this PhD research project is aimed at conceptual design and techno-economic optimization of hybrid solar-biomass ORC power plants. The methodologies adopted are in four distinct phases: - First, novel hybrid concentrated solar power (CSP)-biomass scheme was conceived that could function as retrofit to existing CSP-ORC plants as well as in new hybrid plant designs. Thermodynamic models were developed for each plant sub-unit, and yearly techno-economic performance was assessed for the entire system. Specifically, the ORC was modelled based on characteristics of an existing CSP-ORC plant, which currently operates at Ottana, Italy. Off-design models of ORC components were integrated, and their performance was validated using experimental data obtained from the aforementioned real plant. - Second, detailed exergy and exergoeconomic analyses were performed on the proposed hybrid plant, in order to examine the system components with remarkable optimization potentials. The evaluation on optimization potentials considered intrinsic irreversibilities in the respective components, which are imposed by assumptions of systemic and economic constraints. This has been termed enhanced exergy and enhanced exergoeconomic analyses here. - Third, the techno-economic implications of using siloxane mixtures as ORC working fluid were investigated, with the aim of improving heat transfer processes in the ORC plant. The studied fluid pairs were actively selected to satisfy classical thermodynamic requirements, based on established criteria. - Fourth, the biomass retrofit system was optimized multi-objectively, to minimize biomass consumption rate (maximize exergetic efficiency) and to minimize exergy cost rate. Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) was adopted for multi-objective optimization. The conceptual scheme involves parallel hybridization of CSP and biomass systems, such that each is capable of feeding the ORC directly. Results showed that the proposed biomass hybridization concept would increase both thermodynamic efficiency and economic performance of CSP-ORC plants, thereby improving their market competitiveness. Total exergy destroyed and exergy efficiency were quantified for each component, and for the whole system. Overall system exergetic efficiency of about 7 % was obtained. Similarly, exergoeconomic factor was obtained for each system component, and their implications were analysed to identify system components with high potentials for optimization. Furthermore, it was observed that thermodynamic performance of the hybrid plant would be optimized by using siloxane mixtures as ORC working fluid. However, this would result in larger heat exchange surface area, with its attendant cost implications. Lastly, biomass combustion and furnace parameters were obtained, which would simultaneously optimize exergetic efficiency and exergy cost rate for the hybrid plant. In sum, a novel scheme has been developed for hybridizing solar and biomass energy for ORC plants, with huge potentials to improve techno-economic competitiveness of solar-ORC systems.

Thesis (PhD (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The power conversion unit of a large solar chimney power plant converts the fluid power, first into mechanical power, and then into electrical power. In this dissertation a tool is developed to determine the layout and the number of turbines of the solar chimney power conversion unit providing the lowest cost of electricity. First, the history of the solar chimney concept and the related fields of research are presented. Potential features and configurations of the power conversion unit are introduced, and it is shown how the solar chimney power conversion unit compares to those of other applications. An outline of the dissertation is given, and its potential impact is discussed. An analytical turbine model is developed. Several modelling approaches and the performance of single rotor and counter rotating turbine layouts are compared. Preliminary turbine designs are investigated, experimentally and numerically. The main aim of the experimental investigation is to verify the applicability of the loss model used in the analytical turbine model. The aim of the numerical investigation is to evaluate a commercial software package as a tool in context with solar chimney turbines. For each component of the power conversion unit an analytical performance model is introduced. Using these models, the single vertical axis, multiple vertical axis and multiple horizontal axis turbine configurations are compared from an efficiency and energy yield point of view, and the impact of the various losses on the overall performance is highlighted. A detailed cost model for the power conversion unit is also presented. To optimize for cost of electricity this cost model is then linked to the performance models, and the resulting optimization scheme is applied to several plant configurations. It is shown that for a large solar chimney power plant the power conversion unit providing minimal cost of electricity consists of multiple horizontal axis turbines using a single rotor layout including inlet guide vanes.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die drywingsomsettingseenheid van ’n groot sonskoorsteenaanleg sit die vloeidrywing om, eers in meganiese drywing en dan in elektriese drywing. In hierdie proefskrif word ’n gereedskapstuk ontwikkel om die uitleg en aantal turbines van die sonskoorsteen-drywingsomsettingseenheid te bepaal wat die laagste koste van elektrisiteit lewer. Eerstens word die geskiedenis van die sonskoorsteen en verwante navorsingsvelde behandel. Moontlike eienskappe en konfigurasies vir die drywingsomsettingseenheid word voorgestel, en daar word aangetoon hoe die sonskoorsteendrywingsomsettings- eenheid vergelyk met ander toepassings. ’n Raamwerk van die proefskrif word gegee, en die potensiële trefkrag daarvan word bespreek. ’n Analitiese turbine-model word ontwikkel. Verskeie nabootsingsbenaderings en die vertoning van ’n enkelrotor en teenroterende turbine-uitlegte word vergelyk. Voorlopige turbine-ontwerpe word ondersoek, eksperimenteel en numeries. Die hoofdoel van die eksperimentele ondersoek is om die toepaslikheid van die verliesmodel in die analitiese turbine-model te bevestig. Die doel van die numeriese ondersoek is om kommersiële sagteware op te weeg as ’n gereedskapstuk in die konteks van sonskoorsteenturbines. Vir elke onderdeel van die drywingsomsettingseenheid word ’n analitiese model voorgestel. Met gebruik van hierdie modelle word die enkele vertikale-as, die veelvoudige vertikale-as an die veelvoudige horisontale-as turbinekonfigurasies vergelyk vanuit ’n benuttingsgraad- en energie-opbrengsoogpunt,en die uitwerking van die verskillende verliese op die algehele gedrag word uitgewys. ’n Kostemodel in besonderhede word vir die drywingsomsettingseenheid aangebied. Om vir die koste van elektrisiteit te optimeer word hierdie kostemodel dan gekoppel aan die vertoningsmodelle, en die gevolglike optimeringskema word toegepas op verskeie aanlegkonfigurasies. Daar word aangetoon dat vir ’n groot sonskoorsteenaanleg die drywingsomsettingseenheid wat die minimumkoste van elektrisiteit gee, bestaan uit veelvoudige horisontale-as turbines met enkelrotoruitleg en inlaatleilemme.
Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies

Thesis (MScIng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: One of the areas of the fluid dynamic design of solar chimney power plants that has not been investigated sufficiently is the collector-to-chimney transition section of a single turbine layout. The transition section contains the turbine inlet guide vanes (IGVs) that support the whole chimney and guide the flow entering the turbine. The primary objective of the study was to determine the dependence of the loss coefficient of the section on inlet guide vane stagger angle and collector roof height. Experiments were done on a nominal 900 mm chimney diameter rig, with four combinations of two collector roof heights and two IGV stagger angles. Velocity components and pressures in the transition section were measured in three conical planes, respectively at the IGV exit and midway to, and just below the turbine position, using a five-hole pneumatic pressure probe. Very good agreement was found between experimental values and commercial CFD code predictions of flow angles, velocity components and internal and wall static pressures. The agreement between measured and predicted total pressure loss coefficient was reasonable when considering that most of the loss occurred in the weak wakes of the IGVs and in the very thin transition section wall boundary layers. The CFD code served to extend the predictions to a proposed full scale geometry. The losses are less than previously assumed. The study led to correlations between respectively loss and turning angle as dependent variables, and collector roof height and IGV stagger angle as independent variables.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Een van die gebiede van vloeidinamiese ontwerp van sonskoorsteen kragstasies wat nog nie voldoende navorsing geniet het nie is die kollektor-tot-skoorsteen oorgangs gedeelte van `n enkel turbine opstelling. Die oorgangs gedeelte bevat die turbine se inlaat lei lemme (ILL) wat die hele skoorsteen dra en die vloei lei wat by die turbine ingaan. Die hoof doel van hierdie studie was om die verlies koëffisiënt van hierdie oorgangs gedeelte te bepaal as afhanklike van die ILL stel hoek en die hoogte van die kollektor se dak hoogte. Die eksperimente het op `n nominale 900mm deursnee skoorsteen skaal model geskied, met vier kombinasies van twee dak hoogtes en twee ILL stel hoeke. Snelheidskomponente en drukke is met `n pneumatiese 5-punt buis in drie koniese vlakke in die oorgangs gedeelte gemeet. Die vlakke was by die ILL se stert, halfpad deur die oorgangs gedeelte en by die turbine se inlaat. Baie goeie ooreenstemming is gevind met die eksperimentele waardes en `n kommersiële CFD kode se voorspellings van vloei hoeke, snelheidskomponente en interne- en wand statiese drukke. Die ooreenstemming tussen die gemete waardes en die berekende waardes vir die totale druk verlies koëffisiënt was redelik siende dat die meeste verliese van die klein versteurings van die ILL en die oorgangs gedeelte se dun-wand grenslae kom. Die CFD kode is toe ingespan om verdere voorspellings te maak vir `n voorgestelde volskaal geometrie. Die verliese is minder as wat daar van te vore voorspel is. Hierdie studie het gelei tot korrelasies tussen onderskeidelik verlies en draai hoeke as afhanklike veranderlikes, en kollektor dak hoogte en ILL plasings hoek as onafhanklike veranderlikes.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Nuclear Science and Engineering, 2012.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 140-148).
The main drawback to renewable energy systems is the higher cost of production compared to competitors such as fossil fuels. Thus, there is a need to increase the efficiency of renewable energy systems in an effort to make them more cost competitive. In this study, the use of nanosurfaces is evaluated for its benefits in improving the efficiency of a concentrated solar tower power system by increasing the energy retained by the receiver surface, and for reducing the fouling on geothermal heat exchangers. The samples tested for the solar receiver application were Inconel 617, Inconel 617 with a 150 nm layer of platinum, Inconel 617 with a 150 nm layer of platinum and a 550 nm layer of nickel oxide, oxidized nickel, and silicon carbide. The experimental results indicated that the platinum was an ineffective diffusion barrier, nickel oxide displays solar selective properties, and silicon carbide would be the best choice for a surface among the samples tested. This indicates that at the operating temperatures for this receiver at 700 °C, a black body surface is more effective than a practical solar selective surface. The nanosurfaces tested for the antifouling application in geothermal systems were subjected to chemistry conditions similar to that in a Dry Cooling Tower at a geothermal plant in Larderello, Italy. Each sample's performance was measured by determining each samples weight change and surface characterization after exposure in an experimental loop. The best performing coatings, all of which showed negligible weight gain, were the Curran 1000 coating from Curran International, the Curran 1000 coating with nanographene, and the Curralon coating with PTFE. Upon further analysis, the Curran 1000 with nanographene was identified as the most promising coating option.
by Alexander W. Rehn.
S.M.

This work outlines the conceptualization, modelling and design of a novel electrical energy storage (EES) receiver for use in solar parabolic trough collector (PTC) power plants. A hybridization of sodium sulphur (NaS) battery and parabolic trough collector (PTC) Technologies, the EES receiver concept could one day enable PTC power plants to operate 24 hrs using solar energy only, while simultaneously providing them significant ancillary power benefits. Modelling of the EES receiver operation is achieved using of a system of ten steady state (algebraic) equations and two transient (partial differential) temperature dependent equations. The method of solving the system consisted of precedence ordering and back substituting of the steady state equations to develop a single complex and highly non-linear algebraic equation, in terms of the main process heat flux ݍ′̇ ௖௢௡ௗ,௔௧,. This equation was solved with the assistance of the Microsoft Excel goalseek tool. For the partial differential equations, a one dimensional finite difference approximation, consisting of a forward difference predictor, and a modified central difference corrector was used in discretization. Visual Basic code was then written to solve the system at each increment, each time utilizing the solution obtained for the complex non-linear algebraic equation in ݍ′̇ ௖௢௡ௗ,௔௧. This allowed investigation of the initial heat-up and charge/discharge function of the conceptual solar field. Results of simulations indicate the concept is both promising and implementable and that the slightly higher heat losses in the order of 400 – 600 W/m (a direct result of the unavoidably larger size of the conceptual receiver), are seen to be insignificant when compared to the possible energy storage and power support benefits. Though NaS batteries are currently expensive, this condition is thought to be ephemeral, since cells are made from low cost and widely available materials. Thus falling battery prices (with future mass production) could make this novel energy storage concept worthy of evaluation in a prototype PTC power plant.