Molten salts tower discharge

What I have found out, is that when simulating a solar tower plant with molten salts in version 2015.6.30 of SAM, it do not allow to discharge hot salt tank when there is not solar radiation in the early morning even if the hot tank is full. SAM only allows the start-up of the plant when there is solar radiation. This problem did not exist up to version 2014.01.14.

Thanks

Hello,
This may be caused by the dispatch and storage fractions, so please check that those are correctly assigned on the Thermal Storage input page.
There is an issue with the dispatch controller algorithm that causes it to fail to dispatch TES when the sun is down under some conditions, especially when the power cycle is not continuously running. If you would like us to review your file to see what might be causing the problem, please [url=mailto:sam.support@nrel.gov?subject=Power%20Tower%20Startup%20from%20TES t=_self]email it to me[/url].
Also, for the next version of SAM (planned for release in January 2016), the power tower model will include an improved controller with optional dispatch optimization.
Best regards,

Paul.