A practical upper-bound efficiency model for solar power plants

A generalized model for the maximum work rate extractable from the Sun is developed considering a reversible and an endoreversible system to define a more practical upper-bound efficiency for the conversion of solar radiation into work and power. This model is based on a photo-thermal work extractor...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of non-equilibrium thermodynamics Vol. 48; no. 3; pp. 331 - 344
Main Authors González-Mora, Eduardo, Poudel, Ram, Durán-García, María Dolores
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Berlin De Gruyter 27.07.2023
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Subjects
Alternative energy sources
Efficiency
endoreversible thermodynamics
Exergy
Heat engines
Heat sinks
High temperature
Low temperature
Parametric analysis
Power plants
Radiation
Radiative transfer
Solar energy
Solar radiation
Thermal conductivity
Thermodynamics
Upper bounds
work rate
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:A generalized model for the maximum work rate extractable from the Sun is developed considering a reversible and an endoreversible system to define a more practical upper-bound efficiency for the conversion of solar radiation into work and power. This model is based on a photo-thermal work extractor in communication with a high-temperature radiation reservoir and a low-temperature heat sink. Following the model, a parametric analysis of the concentration acceptance product ( ) and thermal conductance is performed to identify the interdependence of variables for the solar exergy. The results are compared with existing models to provide a practical baseline of work and power extractable from concentrated solar power plants (CSP) technologies. Therefore, it is possible to quantify the irreversibilities of an idealized thermodynamic system operating between the Sun and the absorber (via radiative transfer) and the environment (via convective transfer).
ISSN:0340-0204
1437-4358
DOI:10.1515/jnet-2022-0080