PROSYS/ECONMAT users' guide: solar industrial-process-heat feasibility evaluation
An analytical method is provided for evaluating the feasibility of solar industrial process heat applications for use in industrial analyses. The evaluation procedure uses a flexible, fast-calculating computer code - PROSYS/ECONMAT. The performance model PROSYS predicts long-term energy output for several collector types including flat-plate, nontracking concentrator, (evacuated tube, CPC), a one-axis tracking concentrator (parabolic trough), and a two-axis concentrator (parabolic dish). The economic code calculates solar equipment cost estimates, annual energy capacity cost, levelized price of solar energy, net present value, internal project rate of return, and payback. User input consists of industrial process information (e.g., process temperature, heat rate, present fuel type) and optional economic parameters (e.g., fuel cost, escalation, labor rates). The PROSYS/ECONMAT code has been used in a variety of analyses including industrial case studies, end-use matching, suitability mapping, and industrial feasibility analyses. Accuracy of algorithms and internal parameters in both the performance and economic models has been reviewed and improved. Data bases have been expanded - meteorological data (METDAT) to 231 sites and economic data (ECONDAT) to include state average fuel prices and labor rates. Default values for all critical variables have been selected to provide reasonable results. In addition, optional user input and control have been provided to allow the experienced user freedom to customize the analysis.
- Research Organization:
- Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-77CH00178
- OSTI ID:
- 5350863
- Report Number(s):
- SERI/TR-733-724; ON: DE82008341
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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