Thermal Energy to Power Block (interpretation)

Hi Paul,

Could you please explain me what and where does exactly refer to SAMs output file data for "Thermal Energy to PB"?
Is this the Energy entering the HTF Exchangers? Is this the Energy absorbed by the condensate/steam exiting the HTF Heat Exchangers?

What is the difference between the "Thermal Energy to PB" and the "Solar Field Thermal Output"? Which factors are taken into consideration between them?

Thanks in advance

Hello,

In SAM 2012.5.11, SAM reports hourly output variables called "thermal energy to power cycle" and "solar field thermal output" for the physical trough model, and empirical trough models, so I assume your question is about one of the trough models.

The HTF heat exchangers are part of the power cycle (or power block for the empirical model).

For a system with no storage, for both models, the solar field thermal output is equal to the thermal energy to the power cycle, except for hours when the solar field output exceeds the power cycle's maximum input capacity and for hours when the solar field output is less than the power cycle's minimum load. The empirical model reports dumped energy values during hours when the power cycle's input capacity is exceeded, while the physical model defocuses collectors to reduce the solar field output during those hours.

For a system with storage or fossil backup, thermal energy to the power cycle is the sum of the solar field output and thermal energy from the storage and fossil backup systems.

Best regards,
Paul.

Hello Paul,

Sorry, I am talking about SAM 2011.12.2, Physical model with no storage.
In my simulation, the parameter "thermal energy to power cycle" is higher than "Solar field thermal output". On the other hand, running the same simulation in SAM 2012.5.11 the results are upside down.

I suppose the parameter Solar Field thermal output should be higher. Is that correct?

On the other hand, apart from the hours in which happens the two situations explain by you, the rest of the hours have little differences. Which are these related to? What is taken into consideration?

Thanks a lot!