Analyzing hourly results from a solar tower model plant (molten salts), some doubts about Power cycle efficiency hourly concept have arisen to myself.
I supposed the following alternatives for calculating the heat exchanged in the power cycle should achieve same results but they do not
On one hand, I take into account the Power block HTF mass flow rate (kg/hr) hourly * (Power cycle HTF inlet temperature (C) hourly - Power cycle HTF return temperature (C) hourly.
On the other hand I take into account Gross electric power output (MWh) hourly / Power cycle efficiency hourly.
Why both alternatives do not match each other? Are there any thermal losses supposed on the steam generator or in the pipelines? Am I using different molten salts enthalpy properties?
By the way, I was expecting if there is possible to inform me about where I could find more information related to the behaviour of the plant in Off-design mode (appart from Wagner's thesis from the University of Madison 2008) . Specially talking about the performance of the power cycle (steam turbine, extractions, cold end, etc) and steam generator (configuration).
Thanks for your support.
Kind Regards.
