Analysis of Experimental Data from a Concentrating Parabolic Solar Plant and Comparison with Simulation Model Results

Among the concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies, the parabolic trough (PT) solar collector is a proven technology mainly used to produce electricity and heat for industrial processes. Since 2003, a stand-alone Molten Salt Parabolic Trough (MSPT) experimental plant, located in the ENEA research centre of Casaccia (PCS plant), has been in operation. In this paper a brief description of the plant, the main plant operation figures, and a report of the main results obtained during the experimental test campaigns are presented. The aim of the tests was the evaluation of the thermal power collected as a function of DNI, mass flow rate, and inlet temperature of molten salt; experimental data were compared with simulation results obtained using a heat transfer software model of the solar receiver.