Numerical modelling and simulation of renewable energy sources technologies and systems: study on a CPC system
Author(s)
Mennuni, Andrea
Date Issued
June 14, 2021
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
Energy demand has been increasing in the last decades, reason why
both industrial and research eld are trying to face the problem of fos-
sil fuels-based dependence with RES-based innovative solutions. Both
technical and economical bene ts are studied to reach easy-to-apply tech-
nologies. In those terms, the simulative engineering contribution for R&D
tasks is crucial. This work aims to provide a practical example of how
much numerical simulation of multi-physical scenarios could support the
design testing of an innovative compound parabolic concentrator (CPC).
The CPC installation on PV plant allows the system to reach higher per-
formances in terms of energy production if compared with standard PV
plants. The multiphysical approach is implemented by means of COM-
SOL Multiphysical simulation software, providing the numerical result
validation by comparing prototyping experimental campaign data. The
validation leads to a maximum overall discrepancy that is suitable for
engineering purposes. Then, validated scenarios are used to develop a
standalone application which could provide a virtual laboratory to change
both external environment and CPC geometry parameters. This strategy
allows to conduct a parametric sweep to focus on the e ects of on-site
conditions variation on each one of the CPC components. Furthermore,
a suitable solution for CPC cooling is implemented, in accordance with
the planning activities of new experimental campaigns about enhanced
CPC designs, to be installed in solar energy conversion plants contexts.
Results show how a cooling-system provided CPC could increase photo-
voltaic solar cells e ciency, while reaching lower temperatures on the sun
radiation exposed surface, even if the temperature gradient all over the
CPC-powered plant could led to a non-uniform production of power.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Engineering for energy and environment
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