Performance Evaluation and Site Optimization of A 5 MW Parabolic Dish CSP Plant

The present research investigates the design and performance capabilities of a recently developed 500 m² parabolic dish solar concentrator (PDSC), designed for clean energy production and industrial thermal applications. The research demonstrates significant progress in system architecture, optical-thermal efficiency, and component integration, grounded in both empirical data and simulation results. The proposed sys‎tem employs high-reflectivity glass mirrors, a dual-axis solar tracking mechanism, and a conical cavity receiver to concentrate sunlight for ‎effective thermal conversion. A structured, multi-criteria site selection framework outlined through a flowchart guides the evaluation process ‎from national energy assessment to simulation of a 5 MW CSP plant for optimal location identification. A comparative analysis between two potential sites in Vadodara and Patan, Gujarat, investigates site-specific performance and identifies the optimal location for maximizing solar thermal energy yield, with validation carried out at a 5 MW CSP facility in both regions. Simulation tools, including MATLAB and SAM, ‎were utilized to evaluate system performance under diverse solar and environmental circumstances. The findings indicate consistent energy ‎production during peak periods and thermal energy output, facilitating industrial operations. The annual conversion efficiency varies ‎from 25% to 30%. In contrast to traditional fossil-fuel-based thermal power plants, the PDSC system provides a cleaner and more sustainable option with significantly diminished carbon emissions. Despite ongoing economic and operational constraints, the findings emphasize the significant potential of large-scale PDSC systems in sustainable energy production, especially in areas with high solar irradiation‎.