IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/rensus/v113y2019ic43.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Modelling and simulation tools for direct steam generation in parabolic-trough solar collectors: A review

Author

Listed:
  • Sandá, Antonio
  • Moya, Sara L.
  • Valenzuela, Loreto

Abstract

Direct steam generation (DSG) in parabolic-trough collectors (PTC) is one of the most attractive technologies in concentrated solar power plants. Its appeal stems from its ability to reduce the operational and maintenance costs compared with other heat transfer fluids. Modelling and simulation (M&S) tools, together with the development of experimental real-scale set-ups have played a key role in the advancement of this solar technology. The aim of this review is to summarize and analyse the thermohydraulic, thermal and optical models implemented in M&S tools for DSG in PTC in order to identify the contribution that these models could provide towards the improvement of the technology in the future. Thermohydraulic models have been, in most cases, developed under the three-equation homogeneous equilibrium model (HEM) approach, successfully for recirculation mode. The more complete six-equation two-fluid model (TFM) approach, has also been properly applied, to a lesser extent, to modelling the once-through solar field operation mode, considering water/steam two-phase flow patterns. Although these advancements have contributed to the design and operation of the first commercial solar steam power plant with PTC for electricity generation, there are however some technological gaps still to be overcome to consolidate the technology. In recirculation solar field operation mode, the use of HEM has shown to be adequate to model the DSG process in PTC integrated with thermal energy storage systems and into solar hybrid power plants. For once-through operation mode, the distributed-parameter thermohydraulic models, especially under TFM approach, involving a detailed flow pattern map, have demonstrated to be suitable tools for solving the uncertainties related to the two-phase flow, especially at the endpoint of the evaporation section.

Suggested Citation

  • Sandá, Antonio & Moya, Sara L. & Valenzuela, Loreto, 2019. "Modelling and simulation tools for direct steam generation in parabolic-trough solar collectors: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1-1.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:113:y:2019:i:c:43
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2019.06.033
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032119304265
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.rser.2019.06.033?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Cundapí, Roger & Moya, Sara L. & Valenzuela, Loreto, 2017. "Approaches to modelling a solar field for direct generation of industrial steam," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 666-681.
    2. He, Ya-Ling & Xiao, Jie & Cheng, Ze-Dong & Tao, Yu-Bing, 2011. "A MCRT and FVM coupled simulation method for energy conversion process in parabolic trough solar collector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 976-985.
    3. Xu, Rong & Wiesner, Theodore F., 2015. "Closed-form modeling of direct steam generation in a parabolic trough solar receiver," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 163-176.
    4. Silva, R. & Pérez, M. & Fernández-Garcia, A., 2013. "Modeling and co-simulation of a parabolic trough solar plant for industrial process heat," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 287-300.
    5. Fernández-García, A. & Zarza, E. & Valenzuela, L. & Pérez, M., 2010. "Parabolic-trough solar collectors and their applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(7), pages 1695-1721, September.
    6. Lobón, David H. & Baglietto, Emilio & Valenzuela, Loreto & Zarza, Eduardo, 2014. "Modeling direct steam generation in solar collectors with multiphase CFD," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1338-1348.
    7. Wang, P. & Liu, D.Y. & Xu, C., 2013. "Numerical study of heat transfer enhancement in the receiver tube of direct steam generation with parabolic trough by inserting metal foams," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 449-460.
    8. Akbarzadeh, Sanaz & Valipour, Mohammad Sadegh, 2018. "Heat transfer enhancement in parabolic trough collectors: A comprehensive review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 198-218.
    9. Wu, Zhiyong & Li, Shidong & Yuan, Guofeng & Lei, Dongqiang & Wang, Zhifeng, 2014. "Three-dimensional numerical study of heat transfer characteristics of parabolic trough receiver," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 902-911.
    10. Valenzuela, Loreto & López-Martín, Rafael & Zarza, Eduardo, 2014. "Optical and thermal performance of large-size parabolic-trough solar collectors from outdoor experiments: A test method and a case study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 456-464.
    11. Padilla, Ricardo Vasquez & Demirkaya, Gokmen & Goswami, D. Yogi & Stefanakos, Elias & Rahman, Muhammad M., 2011. "Heat transfer analysis of parabolic trough solar receiver," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(12), pages 5097-5110.
    12. Serrano-Aguilera, J.J. & Valenzuela, L. & Parras, L., 2014. "Thermal 3D model for Direct Solar Steam Generation under superheated conditions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 370-382.
    13. Islam, Md Tasbirul & Huda, Nazmul & Abdullah, A.B. & Saidur, R., 2018. "A comprehensive review of state-of-the-art concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies: Current status and research trends," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 987-1018.
    14. Guo, Su & Liu, Deyou & Chen, Xingying & Chu, Yinghao & Xu, Chang & Liu, Qunming & Zhou, Ling, 2017. "Model and control scheme for recirculation mode direct steam generation parabolic trough solar power plants," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 202(C), pages 700-714.
    15. Yılmaz, İbrahim Halil & Mwesigye, Aggrey, 2018. "Modeling, simulation and performance analysis of parabolic trough solar collectors: A comprehensive review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C), pages 135-174.
    16. Liang, Hongbo & You, Shijun & Zhang, Huan, 2016. "Comparison of three optical models and analysis of geometric parameters for parabolic trough solar collectors," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 37-47.
    17. Hachicha, A.A. & Rodríguez, I. & Capdevila, R. & Oliva, A., 2013. "Heat transfer analysis and numerical simulation of a parabolic trough solar collector," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 581-592.
    18. Fuqiang, Wang & Ziming, Cheng & Jianyu, Tan & Yuan, Yuan & Yong, Shuai & Linhua, Liu, 2017. "Progress in concentrated solar power technology with parabolic trough collector system: A comprehensive review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 1314-1328.
    19. Lobón, David H. & Valenzuela, Loreto, 2013. "Impact of pressure losses in small-sized parabolic-trough collectors for direct steam generation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 502-512.
    20. Biencinto, Mario & González, Lourdes & Valenzuela, Loreto, 2016. "A quasi-dynamic simulation model for direct steam generation in parabolic troughs using TRNSYS," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C), pages 133-142.
    21. Odeh, Saad D., 2003. "Unified model of solar thermal electric generation systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 28(5), pages 755-767.
    22. Guo, Su & Liu, Deyou & Chu, Yinghao & Chen, Xingying & Xu, Chang & Liu, Qunming & Guo, Tiezheng, 2017. "Dynamic behavior and transfer function of collector field in once-through DSG solar trough power plants," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 513-523.
    23. Silva, R. & Pérez, M. & Berenguel, M. & Valenzuela, L. & Zarza, E., 2014. "Uncertainty and global sensitivity analysis in the design of parabolic-trough direct steam generation plants for process heat applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 233-244.
    24. Zarza, Eduardo & Valenzuela, Loreto & León, Javier & Hennecke, Klaus & Eck, Markus & Weyers, H.-Dieter & Eickhoff, Martin, 2004. "Direct steam generation in parabolic troughs: Final results and conclusions of the DISS project," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 29(5), pages 635-644.
    25. Roldán, M.I. & Valenzuela, L. & Zarza, E., 2013. "Thermal analysis of solar receiver pipes with superheated steam," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 73-84.
    26. Serrano-Aguilera, J.J. & Valenzuela, L. & Parras, L., 2017. "Thermal hydraulic RELAP5 model for a solar direct steam generation system based on parabolic trough collectors operating in once-through mode," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 796-807.
    27. Eck, Markus & Steinmann, Wolf-Dieter & Rheinländer, Jürgen, 2004. "Maximum temperature difference in horizontal and tilted absorber pipes with direct steam generation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 29(5), pages 665-676.
    28. Lu, Jianfeng & Ding, Jing & Yang, Jianping & Yang, Xiaoxi, 2013. "Nonuniform heat transfer model and performance of parabolic trough solar receiver," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 666-675.
    29. Hachicha, Ahmed Amine & Rodríguez, Ivette & Ghenai, Chaouki, 2018. "Thermo-hydraulic analysis and numerical simulation of a parabolic trough solar collector for direct steam generation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 214(C), pages 152-165.
    30. Liang, Hongbo & Fan, Man & You, Shijun & Zheng, Wandong & Zhang, Huan & Ye, Tianzhen & Zheng, Xuejing, 2017. "A Monte Carlo method and finite volume method coupled optical simulation method for parabolic trough solar collectors," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 201(C), pages 60-68.
    31. Cheng, Z.D. & He, Y.L. & Cui, F.Q., 2013. "A new modelling method and unified code with MCRT for concentrating solar collectors and its applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 686-698.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Rahimi Telwar, Donya & Khodaei, Jalal & Samimi-Akhijahani, Hadi, 2024. "Thermo-economic evaluation and structural simulation of a parabolic solar collector (PTC) integrated with a desalination system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    2. Khanmohammadi, Shoaib & Kizilkan, Onder & Ahmed, Faraedoon Waly, 2020. "Tri-objective optimization of a hybrid solar-assisted power-refrigeration system working with supercritical carbon dioxide," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 156(C), pages 1348-1360.
    3. Fei Cao & Jiarui Pang & Xianzhe Gu & Miaomiao Wang & Yanqin Shangguan, 2023. "Performance Simulation of Solar Trough Concentrators: Optical and Thermal Comparisons," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-18, February.
    4. Gao, Datong & Li, Jing & Ren, Xiao & Hu, Tianxiang & Pei, Gang, 2022. "A novel direct steam generation system based on the high-vacuum insulated flat plate solar collector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 197(C), pages 966-977.
    5. Rajan, Abhinav & Reddy, K.S., 2023. "Integrated optical and thermal model to investigate the performance of a solar parabolic dish collector coupled with a cavity receiver," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 219(P1).
    6. Mehrenjani, Javad Rezazadeh & Gharehghani, Ayat & Ahmadi, Samareh & Powell, Kody M., 2023. "Dynamic simulation of a triple-mode multi-generation system assisted by heat recovery and solar energy storage modules: Techno-economic optimization using machine learning approaches," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 348(C).
    7. Ignacio Arias & Eduardo Zarza & Loreto Valenzuela & Manuel Pérez-García & José Alfonso Romero Ramos & Rodrigo Escobar, 2021. "Modeling and Hourly Time-Scale Characterization of the Main Energy Parameters of Parabolic-Trough Solar Thermal Power Plants Using a Simplified Quasi-Dynamic Model," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-27, January.
    8. Soares, João & Oliveira, Armando C. & Valenzuela, Loreto, 2021. "A dynamic model for once-through direct steam generation in linear focus solar collectors," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 246-261.
    9. Pal, Ram Kumar & Kumar, K. Ravi, 2022. "Effect of transient concentrated solar flux profile on the absorber surface for direct steam generation in the parabolic trough solar collector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 186(C), pages 226-249.
    10. Ni, Song & Pan, Chin & Hibiki, Takashi & Zhao, Jiyun, 2024. "Applications of nucleate boiling in renewable energy and thermal management and recent advances in modeling——a review," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 289(C).
    11. Pal, Ram Kumar & K., Ravi Kumar, 2021. "Two-fluid modeling of direct steam generation in the receiver of parabolic trough solar collector with non-uniform heat flux," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
    12. Hassan, Atazaz & Quanfang, Chen & Abbas, Sajid & Lu, Wu & Youming, Luo, 2021. "An experimental investigation on thermal and optical analysis of cylindrical and conical cavity copper tube receivers design for solar dish concentrator," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 1849-1864.
    13. Kasaeian, Alibakhsh & Kouravand, Amir & Vaziri Rad, Mohammad Amin & Maniee, Siavash & Pourfayaz, Fathollah, 2021. "Cavity receivers in solar dish collectors: A geometric overview," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 53-79.
    14. Mirzaei, Mohammad Reza & Kasaeian, Alibakhsh & Sadeghi Motlagh, Maryam & Fereidoni, Sahar, 2024. "Thermo-economic analysis of an integrated combined heating, cooling, and power unit with dish collector and organic Rankine cycle," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 296(C).
    15. Rehman, Naveed ur & Uzair, Muhammad & Asif, Muhammad, 2020. "Evaluating the solar flux distribution uniformity factor for parabolic trough collectors," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 888-896.
    16. Yılmaz, İbrahim Halil & Mwesigye, Aggrey & Kılıç, Fatih, 2023. "Prioritization of heat transfer fluids in parabolic trough solar systems using CFD-assisted AHP-VIKOR approach," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C), pages 751-768.
    17. Fan, Wenyuan & Cherdantsev, Andrey V. & Anglart, Henryk, 2020. "Experimental and numerical study of formation and development of disturbance waves in annular gas-liquid flow," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Yılmaz, İbrahim Halil & Mwesigye, Aggrey, 2018. "Modeling, simulation and performance analysis of parabolic trough solar collectors: A comprehensive review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C), pages 135-174.
    2. Hachicha, Ahmed Amine & Yousef, Bashria A.A. & Said, Zafar & Rodríguez, Ivette, 2019. "A review study on the modeling of high-temperature solar thermal collector systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 280-298.
    3. Huang, Zhen & Li, Zeng-Yao & Tao, Wen-Quan, 2017. "Numerical study on combined natural and forced convection in the fully-developed turbulent region for a horizontal circular tube heated by non-uniform heat flux," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 185(P2), pages 2194-2208.
    4. de Sá, Alexandre Bittencourt & Pigozzo Filho, Victor César & Tadrist, Lounès & Passos, Júlio César, 2018. "Direct steam generation in linear solar concentration: Experimental and modeling investigation – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 910-936.
    5. Soares, João & Oliveira, Armando C. & Valenzuela, Loreto, 2021. "A dynamic model for once-through direct steam generation in linear focus solar collectors," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 246-261.
    6. Hachicha, Ahmed Amine & Rodríguez, Ivette & Ghenai, Chaouki, 2018. "Thermo-hydraulic analysis and numerical simulation of a parabolic trough solar collector for direct steam generation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 214(C), pages 152-165.
    7. Biencinto, Mario & González, Lourdes & Valenzuela, Loreto, 2016. "A quasi-dynamic simulation model for direct steam generation in parabolic troughs using TRNSYS," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C), pages 133-142.
    8. Serrano-Aguilera, J.J. & Valenzuela, L. & Parras, L., 2014. "Thermal 3D model for Direct Solar Steam Generation under superheated conditions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 370-382.
    9. Islam, Md Tasbirul & Huda, Nazmul & Abdullah, A.B. & Saidur, R., 2018. "A comprehensive review of state-of-the-art concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies: Current status and research trends," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 987-1018.
    10. Cheng, Ze-Dong & Zhao, Xue-Ru & He, Ya-Ling, 2018. "Novel optical efficiency formulas for parabolic trough solar collectors: Computing method and applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 224(C), pages 682-697.
    11. Ajbar, Wassila & Parrales, A. & Huicochea, A. & Hernández, J.A., 2022. "Different ways to improve parabolic trough solar collectors’ performance over the last four decades and their applications: A comprehensive review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    12. Pal, Ram Kumar & Kumar, K. Ravi, 2022. "Effect of transient concentrated solar flux profile on the absorber surface for direct steam generation in the parabolic trough solar collector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 186(C), pages 226-249.
    13. Zou, Bin & Jiang, Yiqiang & Yao, Yang & Yang, Hongxing, 2019. "Impacts of non-ideal optical factors on the performance of parabolic trough solar collectors," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C), pages 1150-1165.
    14. Cheng, Ze-Dong & He, Ya-Ling & Qiu, Yu, 2015. "A detailed nonuniform thermal model of a parabolic trough solar receiver with two halves and two inactive ends," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 139-147.
    15. Salgado Conrado, L. & Rodriguez-Pulido, A. & Calderón, G., 2017. "Thermal performance of parabolic trough solar collectors," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 1345-1359.
    16. Fan, Man & You, Shijun & Xia, Junbao & Zheng, Wandong & Zhang, Huan & Liang, Hongbo & Li, Xianli & Li, Bojia, 2018. "An optimized Monte Carlo ray tracing optical simulation model and its applications to line-focus concentrating solar collectors," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C), pages 769-781.
    17. Li, Zeng-Yao & Huang, Zhen & Tao, Wen-Quan, 2016. "Three-dimensional numerical study on fully-developed mixed laminar convection in parabolic trough solar receiver tube," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1288-1303.
    18. Kumaresan, G. & Sudhakar, P. & Santosh, R. & Velraj, R., 2017. "Experimental and numerical studies of thermal performance enhancement in the receiver part of solar parabolic trough collectors," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 1363-1374.
    19. Fasquelle, T. & Falcoz, Q. & Neveu, P. & Lecat, F. & Flamant, G., 2017. "A thermal model to predict the dynamic performances of parabolic trough lines," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 141(C), pages 1187-1203.
    20. Abdulhamed, Ali Jaber & Adam, Nor Mariah & Ab-Kadir, Mohd Zainal Abidin & Hairuddin, Abdul Aziz, 2018. "Review of solar parabolic-trough collector geometrical and thermal analyses, performance, and applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 822-831.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:113:y:2019:i:c:43. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/600126/description#description .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.