Solar Collectors Modeling and Controller Design for Solar Thermal Power Plant

Electric power generation techniques utilizing solar energy urge scientists to research and develop technologies using sustainable resources on a large scale with qualities close to the ideal resource. Solar collectors are crucial components of a Solar Thermal Power plant (STP) which are required to be within a certain feasible range in order to operate and provide solar thermal resources and intermittent inputs. The closed-loop controller design for solar collectors enhances the lifespan of STP. This paper presents first principle modeling of Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) using therminol oil and Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) design using water as working fluid. Using step test method linear transfer function obtained at continuous and discrete domain nominal operating range. A continuous Proportional Integral (PI) controller is designed either with Static Feed Forward (SFF) control or with Predictive Function Control (PFC). Optimal performance of the controller is based on performance indicators obtained through various case studies.