Parametric Analysis of Parabolic Trough plant using SamUL

See around Line 15 of your script where the function sets the active case: SetActiveCase("Sample"). Does the case "Sample" use the physical trough performance model? If you started off with the power tower sample file, then the case may be for a power tower system instead of a parabolic trough system using the physical trough model.

Best regards,
Paul.

Hi Paul,

My case is a Physical Trough Performance model. The script is running and the output file is getting generated. Only issue is the output results do not change. It can be seen in the attached output file. Is it possible that the change is too minor to be reflected in the output? I doubt that is the case. Moreover, the results change when HTF fluid changes. But, the script fails in 1 for loop run of the HTF fluid.

Thanks,
Hemang

Please let me know if you need more information.

Thanks,
Hemang

Dear Hemang,

Could you attach the .zsam file containing the script to your original post?

Thanks,
Paul.

Hi,

"Medinine" is the active case, whereas Script 1 is the script which I have uploaded.

Thanks,
Hemang

Dear Hemang,

I think you have two questions.

1. Why do the LCOE, annual energy, and capacity factor not change when you change the SCA?

SAM automatically calculates the number of loops required for the solar multiple you specify. You can see this in the user interface, but unfortunately there is not an easy way to see this in SamUL. In SAM, try changing the SCA on the Collectors (SCA) page and watch the "Number of Loops" and "Aperture Area" numbers change on the Solar Field button. So, as you change SCAs, SAM maintains the solar multiple so that the solar field delivers the same amount of thermal energy to the power block (and storage system if there is one).

2. Why does the simulation fail for one of the HTF fluids?

Each HTF is designed to work within a range of temperatures. If you change the HTF without changing the design temperatures, the resulting operating temperatures may be outside of the HTF's limits.

In general, when you change inputs like the collector or HTF fluid, you must also change other inputs so that the system design works with the components you choose. Because SAM does not provide feedback when your design assumptions are not realistic, you have to use your own knowledge of trough system design to choose appropriate values for the inputs.

Best regards,
Paul.

Paul,

Thank you for the above information. Now, what I am trying to do is find out an optimum inlet and outlet temperature for each of the HTFs and then hard coding them in the SamUL script. I have kept the parametric variable values within the range for the HTF, but still the simulation fails due to some error. I have attached the file. Please have a look and let me know what the error is.

Thanks,
Hemang