tracking csp

dear my friends


I want to ask about the technique used in SAM software for tracking parabolic trough collector? and how we can change it if available ?

Hello,

For parabolic trough systems, SAM assumes one-axis tracking with a tilt angle and azimuth angle that you can specify. Trough collectors are typically horizontal (tilt angle = 0), but you can use any value between 0 and 90 degrees. The azimuth angle is typically 0 for north-south collectors, but you can use any value between -90 degrees (east) and 90 degrees (west).

Best regards,
Paul.

hello Paul
thank you ..... I want to ask if I want to make the program work without tracking once and working with tracking another time to compare results ... what shall i use in these angles for non-tracking system?

Hello,

Unlike the SAM's photovoltaic models, The concentrating solar power models do not have a "no tracking" option. Because they use concentrating collectors that only work when oriented toward the sun, SAM assumes that they always use tracking equipment. For parabolic trough systems, it assumes one-axis tracking as I explained above, and for power tower systems, it assumes heliostats with two-axis tracking. It is not possible to change those assumptions.

That said, you could try adjusting the parabolic trough stow and deploy angles to limit the one-axis tracker's range and approximate a collector that does not track, but that is not the intended purpose of those inputs.

Best regards,
Paul.

Hello Paul
Thank you for your reply... I do what you suggest
I want to ask about another thing.... in the results of design I have column figures that explain relations between variables with colors.... what shall i do if i want to print results with white and black only ?? can there any option to overcome colors

best regards

Hello,

SAM uses colors in graphs to indicate different values. There is not an option to generate graphs using only black and white.

SAM's graphing tools are fairly rudimentary. If you want more control over graphs, you can export data from a SAM graph to use in spreadsheet or other graphing software outside of SAM. Depending on the type of graph, you either click an export button or right-click the graph and choose an export option to export the data.

Best regards,
Paul.