Model predictive control for concentrating solar power plants with thermal energy storage system

This study proposes a model predictive controller for concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. Few studies have considered a thermal energy storage system and a power system. The proposed model predictive controller maintains the heat transfer fluid temperature by manipulating its mass flow rate and stabilizes the power frequency by balancing power supply and demand. In the case of the direct normal irradiance is low, the thermal energy storage system makes up for the shortage of thermal. The simulation using actual solar direct normal irradiance data and electricity demand data shows the proposed controller contributes to stable operation of CSP plants.