Modelling and performance evaluation of a direct steam generation solar power system coupled with steam accumulator to meet electricity demands for a hospital under typical climate conditions in Libya

Ehtiwesh, Amin; Kutlu, Cagri; Su, Yuehong; Riffat, Saffa

Abstract

This study aims to build a dynamic model of a direct steam generation (DSG) solar power system coupled with a steam accumulator to meet electricity demands for a hospital under transient environmental conditions in Libya. The main components of the system are DSG parabolic trough collectors, a steam accumulator, a turbine, a condenser and a circulation pump. The system is modelled via using Simulink\Simscape software blocks with integrated MATLAB functions to run a dynamic simulation. As the simulation tool reflects the transient operation of the components, advanced control strategies were applied to the model. Using the proportional integral controller (PI controller), safe operation of the system is secured by pump flow rate control, safe turbine operation is provided by pressure control and power output is matched with the demand by using a throttle valve control. 1584 m2 solar collector area and 160 m3 total volume of pressurized steam tank are used in the simulation considering the electricity demand of the hospital and solar radiation in the location. The produced work output was controlled to match the demand profile of the hospital, which needs 200 kW in the peak period and 50 kW at the night. The designed system shows a maximum thermal efficiency of 23.5% for the operation condition.

Citation

Ehtiwesh, A., Kutlu, C., Su, Y., & Riffat, S. (2023). Modelling and performance evaluation of a direct steam generation solar power system coupled with steam accumulator to meet electricity demands for a hospital under typical climate conditions in Libya. Renewable Energy, 206, 795-807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2023.02.075

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 17, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Feb 12, 2023
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2023
• Deposit Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Journal: Renewable Energy
• Print ISSN: 0960-1481
• Electronic ISSN: 1879-0682
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 206
• Pages: 795-807
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2023.02.075
• Keywords: Demand profile; Direct steam generation Rankine Cycle; Operation control; SimulinkSimscape; Steam accumulator
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/17661538
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960148123002264