CSP Comparrison

Good afternoon, I am trying to conduct a summary of Parabolic Trough system vs a Tower (Steam) system. At the moment I am just trying to establish the thermal power produced by each field, and then applying a financial value which relates to the cost of equipment, land and maintenance.

I have got this to work for the Parabolic troughs, as I can specify the size the area which then produces the number of SCA/HCE and the thermal power output.

I am having issues with the tower, as I can not seem to be able to input a area or thermal power output required.

Hello,

For the tower model, SAM calculates the field and land area based on the number solar field layout which is a result of the field optimization algorithm. The field area is related to the power cycle nameplate capacity by the solar multiple. You can control the thermal output requirement by changing the nameplate capacity of the power cycle. If you're trying to constrain the land area, you'll probably have to run a few simulations with different nameplate capacities to find the power cycle capacity that the available land area can support.

Best regards,
Paul.