A methodology for determining the configuration of the optimum Solar Total Energy System

ABSTRACT:
This paper presents a methodology for determining the configuration of the most economical Solar Total Energy System (STES) for a particular application. This methodology also can be used to design Small Power Systems and Solar Process Heat Systems because they are special cases of a STES.

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Since the values of the economic parameters used in this analysis are not well-defined, restrictions can be placed on the amount of purchased electricity and fossil fuel. Using these restrictions, one can design, for example, the most economical STES which purchases one fourth as much energy as a conventional system. The results of the analysis include the system design, its performance, annualized cost, etc., and polynomials which can be used to determine system cost and energy purchases at off-optimum design points. The results of an investigation of an application similar to the Bleyle Plant in Shenandoah, Georgia (the site of Large Scale Experiment #2), are presented. The sensitivity of the results to changes in the energy inflation rates, the electricity pricing schedule, system location, and restrictions on the amount of purchased energy were investigated in this study. The results indicate a STES which starts operation in 1982 is competitive for this application. In many cases it is less expensive than a conventional system which purchases all of the electricity and fossil fuel required to satisfy the application's demands. These results are based upon high production rate costs for the major components.

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