Modeling and simulations of direct steam generation in concentrating solar power plants using parabolic trough collectors

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Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Turkey

Approval Date: 2013

Thesis Language: English

Student: Can Uçkun

Supervisor: DEREK KEITH BAKER

Abstract:

In this thesis, a mathematical model of direct steam generation using parabolic trough collectors is developed. The model’s predictions are compared with previously published data and good agreement is found. A parametric study for direct steam generation in parabolic trough collectors is presented for different inlet temperature and pressures, and solar resources, and the differences between the conditions are analyzed. The direct steam generation mathematical model is integrated into a TRNSYS model of a complete solar thermal power plant. The predictions for this model of a complete solar thermal power plant are compared with previously published and acceptable results are found. The implications for this work are discussed and future research directions identified.