Optimization of steam-based energy transport in distributed solar systems

Journal Article · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1992 · Solar Energy (Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0038-092X(92)90153-2· OSTI ID:6845924

Carden, P O ^[1]; Bansal, P K ^[2]

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1. Australian National Univ., Canberra (Australia)
2. Univ. of Auckland (New Zealand)

This paper investigates the methodology for the systematic optimization of a low-cost transport piping network for distributed solar systems. In order to determine the range of power sizes for which this form of energy transport is economical, equations are developed to yield optimum engineering design parameters for steam-based energy transport in pipelines. A computer software package has been developed which gives the most cost effective layout of optimum networks, size of each pipe/insulation, percentage of the maximum pressure drop to the inlet pressure, and percentage of the cost of energy transportation to the energy collected (% cost). Power station sizes of up to 84 MW[sub e] have been studied with collectors of area 300 m[sup 2] each.

• OSTI ID: 6845924
• Journal Information: Solar Energy (Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering); (United States), Journal Name: Solar Energy (Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering); (United States) Vol. 49:6; ISSN 0038-092X; ISSN SRENA4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140703* -- Solar Thermal Power Systems-- Distributed Collector
COST
COST ESTIMATION
DESIGN
DISTRIBUTED COLLECTOR POWER PLANTS
OPTIMIZATION
POWER PLANTS
PRESSURE DROP
SIZING
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SOLAR RECEIVERS
SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANTS
STEAM LINES
THERMAL INSULATION
THERMAL POWER PLANTS