Austria: Optimising of Large-scale Collector Fields
 Austria: Optimising of Large-scale Collector Fields

Austria: Optimising of Large-scale Collector Fields

One key aspect of the energy and cost optimisation of large-scale collector fields (called arrays in this news) is collector array hydraulics. Optimal connection is achieved when (1) the costs and length of the connecting pipes is small, (2) the pressure drop over the entire array is low and (3) there is homogeneous mass flow distribution across the entire field. “Homogeneous mass flow reduces power losses in the circuit, avoids inefficient pump operation and prevents local stagnation,” explains Philip Ohnewein. The researcher at Austrian institute AEE INTEC managed the four-year project ParaSol (2011 to 2014), which – among other things – analysed the advantages and disadvantages of different hydraulic designs of large collector arrays of several hundreds to several thousands of panels. The results were also discussed and published as part of Task 45, Large Systems: Large Solar Heating/Cooling Systems, Seasonal Storage, Heat Pumps, of the IEA Solar Heating and Cooling Programme in a two-page info leaflet and a 44-page technical document (attached to this article). 

The chart above shows the four methods to achieve optimal hydraulic behaviour in large-scale solar plants with flat plate collectors:
(a) Adjustment of supply and return pipe diameters: the simplest passive hydraulic adjustment, allowing cost savings in the collector array’s piping
(b) Tichelmann connection in combination with adjustments to pipe diameters: a proactive measure with the disadvantage of increased costs because of greater pipe length
(c) Installation of mechanical balancing valves: very effective measure for homogenous mass flow, but costly and a potential source of errors
(d) Adjustment of collector connecting pipe diameters: low-cost measure for adapting the piping to various external conditions; based on simulations in design phase, but with high costs in case of adjustments during operation.
11 indicators to help determine performance of hydraulic schemes
“To facilitate a direct comparison of different hydraulic concepts, we developed a set of 11 indicators which can be calculated in a theoretic analysis at the design phase of a plant and allow for a more sophisticated and more economic collector array design,” explains Ohnewein. The AEE INTEC team used the new indicator set to analyse different solar hydraulic configurations. The description of all 11 indicators can be found in the ParaSol conference paper of SHC 2013 in English and in the final ParaSol report in German (both documents are attached).
Comparing harp- and meander-type collectors
The following table shows the indicators which differ significantly when a 4,800 m² collector field is set up either with harp-type or meander-type absorbers, despite the gross collector area, the specific mass flow and the solar yield being almost identical in both cases. In four of five categories, the meander-type collector field outperforms the harp-type collector one; only copper demand is greater for the former (see the following table). “Both harp- and meander-type collectors have proven to be very well suitable for large collector arrays. The differences between both collector types regarding technical behaviour, cost and design aspects become more obvious in fields with collector areas greater than 300 m² in a single row”, explains Ohnewein.
Collector array
key figures
Large-scale,
harp-type collector
field with 4,800 m²
Large-scale,
meander-type collector
field with 4,800 m²
Notes
Specific metal mass
of array pipes
0.84 kgsteel/m²gr 0.50 kgsteel/m²br Relevant to
material costs
Pipe network
length
~6.3 cm/m²gr ~2.1 cm/m²gr Relevant to
excavation costs
Specific copper mass
in solar collector
1.28 kgCu/m²gr 1.96 kgCu/m²gr Relevant to collector
production costs
Thermal capacity
of collector array
11.3 kJ/m²br·K 9.6 kJ/m²br·K Relevant to
start-up losses
Ratio of hydraulic
to thermal power
1.37 Whydraulic/kWth 1.27 Whydraulic/kWth Relevant to pump
electricity
consumption
List of indicators which differ between collector fields with harp- type and meander-type collectors. All indicators have been calculated by using simulation programme SOLAR, which was developed by AEE INTEC.
Lower mass flow compensates for low irradiation
The researchers from AEE INTEC also wanted to find out whether reducing the mass flow in the collector array can compensate for periods with low irradiation and low ambient temperatures. “Our simulation showed that a collector field can still operate worthwhile at a radiation of 400 to 500 W/m², if mass flow is significantly reduced from around 12 kg/m² to 3 kg/m²abs per hour,” Ohnewein explains the results.
Mechanical balancing valves in each collector row
The advantages of mechanical balancing valves in each collector raw were examined for the following plant: a 6,000 m² collector field consisting of rows with 4 to 11 collectors each, because of plot size. The valves reduce the maximum absorber temperature in the field, minimise pressure losses significantly and cut the pumps’ hydraulic power in half.
Without
regulating valves
in each row
With
regulating valves
in each row
Specific yield per
gross collector area
429 432 W/m²
Outlet temperature
of the collector array
85.0 85.3 °C
Maximum absorber
temperature
100.7 86.0 °C
Pressure drop of
entire collector array
(excluding supply pipes)
730 380 mbar
Hydraulic power for
the entire array
1,056 557 Whyd
Simulation results of a collector field with and without regulating valves for each array
Source: AEE INTEC
Fact sheets for download on programme`s website
Besides the analysis of different hydraulic schemes, the Task 45 experts have examined the performance of different seasonal storage units, developed a methodology for performance guarantees regarding large-fields and published case studies on successful third-party financing, for example, in the form of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs). A set of fact sheets on different aspects is available for download on the task´s website: http://task45.iea-shc.org/fact-sheets.
More information:
For further information about ParaSol contact Philipp Ohnewein: p.ohnewein@aee.at

Baerbel Epp

Bärbel Epp is Founder and Director of the German communication and market research agency solrico and editor-in-chief of solarthermalworld.org