Parabolic Trough with TES: ensure full PB dispatch before charging TES

I’m working with the Parabolic Trough (Physical) model in SAM . My setup is a single-owner CSP with a thermal energy storage (TES) system and a target electricity production of 150 MWe during daylight hours.My goal is:

1. First, route all available thermal energy to the power block (PB) until it reaches the 150 MW target.
2. Only after the PB target is satisfied, send any excess thermal to charge TES.

However, in my simulations, SAM is not fully respecting that priority order. What typically happens is:

• The power block only receives ~135–140 MWe, even though more thermal capacity is available.
• SAM starts charging TES while the PB is still below its target.

I’ve tried adjusting dispatch schedules, but can’t get SAM to strictly prioritize the PB.

 Questions:Is there a known way (or a best practice) to enforce PB-first, then TES charge behavior in SAM’s trough model?

SAM file is attached
 

Hi Khalifah,

SAM's Physical Trough model dispatches the TES to achieve the cycle thermal power at design (shown on the System Design page). In general, it charges the TES when the PC input energy is greater than the cycle thermal power at design. 

In your file, the cycle thermal power at design is 477.53 MWt, and the TES generally charges when "Field thermal power leaving in HTF" is greater than the cycle thermal power at design. The "PC input energy" is at the design point when TES charges.

Best regards,
Paul.