A search of the optimal values of the main parameters involved
in a solar central receiver power plant, aimed at maximizing its
efficiency, can be performed by analyzing the individual main four
subsystems of the assembly: the heliostat field, the central receiver,
steam generator and the power block. In this study, geometrical,
optical, thermodynamic and thermal parameters of the various
components of a central receiver power system are linked by only
one mathematical model. The obtained model is simulated and
analyzed, in order to obtain the optimal operating parameters of
the receiver and the power block. The simulated results have an
important role for the choice of material (dimensions, capacity,
quantity. . .) and they represent an appropriate guide for manufacturer
to optimize material, for example: for each steam mass flow
in power cycle we can select a corresponding receiver temperature
and receiver area. This study provides a great support to regulation
and monitoring system, for example: when the DNI increases, the
heliostat area decreases in order to avoid thermal perturbations in
the receiver.
The results show that the rates of heat exchange play an important
role in monitoring the system. It has been found that, though
heat loss increases with increasing receiver temperature, its rate is
not constant but start decreasing after a given temperature. On the
other hand, there is first a fast increase then a slow decrease in the
receiver absorbed energy. This leads to an optimal value in the receiver
efficiency.