Influence of Solar Multiple on Thermal Energy Storage - CSP

Hello.
As we increase the SM value, there are more thermal energy available in the solar field, but how can we relate SM value with TES capacity or volume? Those values are based on the number of hours of storage at design point...

Thermocline option is still not available in 2021 version, right?

Thank you.

Hi Bernardo,

For SAM's CSP models with thermal energy storage, the thermal energy hours of storage at design point input on the System Design page (or on the Thermal Storage page for some models) determines the storage capacity. You can see the equivalent thermal capacity in MWt-hr and available volume in m3 on the Thermal Storage input page.

Thermocline is not available in SAM 2021.12.02.

Best regards,
Paul.

Hi Paul.
Yes, I understand.
So, Solar Multiple has no influence on TES capacity/volume?
Where can we express the excess of energy given by a SM>1 that is not used to drive the power block directly? 
That is my doubt...

Best regards,
Bernardo.

Hi Bernardo,

The Solar Multiple determines the solar field size, so it does not affect TES capacity.

The TES capacity depends on the power cycle capacity because "hours of storage at design point" is defined as the number of hours the TES can drive the power cycle at its design point.

During hours when SM > 1, any heat from the solar field in excess of the heat required by the power cycle goes to TES. SAM reports this in the hourly results as "TES charge thermal power (MWt)".

Best regards,
Paul.

Hi Paul.
Understood. Basically we just define the number of hours of storage at design point as a target to calculate TES capacity/volume.

I take the opportunity to raise another question about parametric simulation. When we run a parametric simulation with Solar Multiple Value, which value is changed? 
Our actual field thermal output is calculated based on total aperture reflective area, that is defined based on collector area and number of SCA assemblies per loop, so, changing SM value does not afect our field thermal power...

Best Regards,
Bernardo.

Hi Bernardo,

To run a parametric simulation on the solar multiple, make sure to choose Option 1 on the Solar Field page:



Then choose the "specified" solar multiple variable on the Parametrics page:



Best regards,
Paul.