Solar Process Heating

I was wondering if anybody has tried using the SAM software to try and model parabolic trough or Linear Fresnel technology for a process heating application instead of power production?

SAM is designed to model CSP systems that provide thermal energy for a power plant that generates electricity. The models adjust the solar field output based on the nameplate capacity of the power cycle. For example, the physical trough model defocuses collectors when the field output is greater than the power cycle's design output (determined by the design gross output and max turbine over design operation inputs on the Power Cycle page). That behavior may not be desired for a process heat application.

To model a solar field that delivers energy to a thermal application, you could treat the hourly "solar field thermal output (MWh), hourly" as energy available for the application, and ignore the electric output values. However, you should be aware of how the power cycle and optional thermal storage components affect the performance of the field.

Best regards,
Paul.