Factor Estimation for Accounting Dynamic Start-Up Effects in Solar Heat Plants Using Quasi-Static Modeling

Abstract

Solar heat plants represent a promising solution to decarbonize the industry. However, the industry is reluctant to adopt this technology, largely due to concerns regarding the variability of solar resources. Early-stage projects rely heavily on annual simulation models to inform decision-making processes, underscoring the critical need for accurate predictions of solar plant energy yield. To address this, a methodology has been developed to enhance the precision of heat production estimates in annual steady-state modelling by integrating dynamic effects through the introduction of a heat-up factor. This heat-up factor will be dependent on the initial temperature, the DNI conditions, the heat capacitance of the installation, and the chosen control strategy. The findings demonstrate a significant enhancement in the accuracy of steady-state model simulations with the inclusion of the heat-up factor, effectively capturing the dynamic influence on energy consumption during start-up.