We have plans to add an option to SAM's linear collector CSP models (parabolic trough and linear Fresnel) to facilitate modeling of systems that provide heat for an application other than power generation. We hope that will be available in the version of SAM that we release in mid to late 2016.
In the meantime, please see the following document for a description of how to adjust the power cycle inputs in the current version of SAM to approximate the performance of a parabolic trough or linear Fresnel solar field for a thermal application:
Turchi, C.; Neises, T. (2015). Parabolic Trough Solar-Thermal Output Model Decoupled from SAM Power Block Assumptions. Milestone report prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. (
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Best regards,
Paul.