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Multi-objective optimization of the aiming strategy for the solar power tower with a cavity receiver by using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm

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  • Wang, Kun
  • He, Ya-Ling
  • Xue, Xiao-Dai
  • Du, Bao-Cun

Abstract

The extremely non-uniform solar flux distribution in the solar power tower plant can badly cause some crucial problems for the solar receiver such as the local hot spot, the thermal stress, and the thermal deformation. Homogenization of the solar flux distribution is an effective method to avoid these problems, and has become an important research topic. The objective of the present study is to homogenize the solar flux distribution on the inner surfaces within the cavity receiver while keeping the optics loss as low as possible by replacing the conventional single-point aiming strategy with optimal multi-point aiming strategies. Multi-objective optimizations of the aiming strategy for the solar power tower with cavity receivers are performed by using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm. The distribution of the aiming points on the cavity aperture and the allocation of the aiming points for each heliostat are optimized simultaneously. The following conclusions can be made: (1) The uniformity of the solar flux distribution on the aperture does not always signify the uniformity of the solar flux distribution on the inner surfaces, where the later one is what we are truly concerned about. Therefore, the optimization of the aiming strategy should take charge of the solar flux distribution on the inner surfaces rather than on the aperture. (2) The multi-objective optimization can provide the trade-off between the non-uniformity of the solar flux distribution and the optics loss in the form of Pareto optimal fronts. (3) The optimal aiming strategies provided by the multi-objective optimization can significantly homogenize the solar flux distribution on the inner surfaces within the cavity at a minimum cost of optics loss. (4) For the optimal aiming strategies at all time except the noon, there exists a west-east asymmetry of the aiming point distribution on the aperture. Moreover, the asymmetry gets less obvious as the time gets closer to the noon.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Kun & He, Ya-Ling & Xue, Xiao-Dai & Du, Bao-Cun, 2017. "Multi-objective optimization of the aiming strategy for the solar power tower with a cavity receiver by using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 399-416.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:205:y:2017:i:c:p:399-416
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.07.096
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    5. Vidal, Alfonso & Gonzalez, Aurelio & Denk, Thorsten, 2020. "A 100 kW cavity-receiver reactor with an integrated two-step thermochemical cycle: Thermal performance under solar transients," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 270-279.
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    7. Sánchez-González, Alberto & Rodríguez-Sánchez, María Reyes & Santana, Domingo, 2018. "Aiming factor to flatten the flux distribution on cylindrical receivers," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 113-125.
    8. Zhu, Han-Hui & Wang, Kun & He, Ya-Ling, 2017. "Thermodynamic analysis and comparison for different direct-heated supercritical CO2 Brayton cycles integrated into a solar thermal power tower system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 140(P1), pages 144-157.
    9. Ashley, Thomas & Carrizosa, Emilio & Fernández-Cara, Enrique, 2019. "Heliostat field cleaning scheduling for Solar Power Tower plants: A heuristic approach," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C), pages 653-660.
    10. He, Caitou & Duan, Xiaoyue & Zhao, Yuhong & Feng, Jieqing, 2019. "An analytical flux density distribution model with a closed-form expression for a flat heliostat," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 251(C), pages 1-1.
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    12. Guo, Jia-Qi & Li, Ming-Jia & Xu, Jin-Liang & Yan, Jun-Jie & Wang, Kun, 2019. "Thermodynamic performance analysis of different supercritical Brayton cycles using CO2-based binary mixtures in the molten salt solar power tower systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C), pages 785-798.
    13. García, Jesús & Barraza, Rodrigo & Soo Too, Yen Chean & Vásquez-Padilla, Ricardo & Acosta, David & Estay, Danilo & Valdivia, Patricio, 2022. "Transient simulation of a control strategy for solar receivers based on mass flow valves adjustments and heliostats aiming," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 185(C), pages 1221-1244.
    14. Liang, Kai & Xue, Kaili & Zhang, Heng & Chen, Haiping & Ni, Jianxiong, 2020. "Design and performance analysis of an annular fresnel solar concentrator," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).
    15. Wang, Kun & Li, Ming-Jia & Guo, Jia-Qi & Li, Peiwen & Liu, Zhan-Bin, 2018. "A systematic comparison of different S-CO2 Brayton cycle layouts based on multi-objective optimization for applications in solar power tower plants," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 109-121.
    16. Conroy, Tim & Collins, Maurice N. & Grimes, Ronan, 2020. "A review of steady-state thermal and mechanical modelling on tubular solar receivers," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    17. Guo, Jia-Qi & Li, Ming-Jia & He, Ya-Ling & Xu, Jin-Liang, 2019. "A study of new method and comprehensive evaluation on the improved performance of solar power tower plant with the CO2-based mixture cycles," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
    18. Wang, Wen-Qi & Qiu, Yu & Li, Ming-Jia & He, Ya-Ling & Cheng, Ze-Dong, 2020. "Coupled optical and thermal performance of a fin-like molten salt receiver for the next-generation solar power tower," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 272(C).
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    20. Liang, Hongbo & Zhu, Chunguang & Fan, Man & You, Shijun & Zhang, Huan & Xia, Junbao, 2018. "Study on the thermal performance of a novel cavity receiver for parabolic trough solar collectors," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 222(C), pages 790-798.
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