Wind Loads on Linear Fresnel Reflectors’ Technology: A Numerical Study

AbstractThe wind effect on the Fresnel technology is one of the main design stresses for the metallic structure, primary reflectors, receivers and solar tracking system. Therefore,in order to quantify its impact and compare it to a more mature technology(the Parabolic Trough),a first study of the wind load on a Linear Fresnel Reflector(LFR)collector with an air-stable absorber tube receiver (with protective cover glass) has been undertaken. The drag, lift and momentum coefficients of the receiver and primary reflectors have been calculated using a bi-dimensional CFD model based on the COMSOL Multiphysics® software. The impact of the transversal wind speed has been studied. Moreover, the interaction between the receiver and the primary reflectors has been quantified. Finally, a comparison to Parabolic Trough collectors has been made, which confirms the much lower windload of LFR technology for an equal mirror aperture area, and thus the much lighter structures required for resisting these wind loads and/or the larger operation range with respect to wind speed

Status of implementation of the first Linear Fresnel solar thermal power plant in the Middle East – WECSP solar project in the Kingdom of Jordan

AbstractThe WECSP solar plant is a 1 MWe solar thermal power plant based on Linear Fresnel Reflector CSP Technology developed by French technology provider Solar Euromed. It is designed with a Rankine cycle and ultimately injects electricity into the Jordan local electricity grid. The project site benefits from favorable solar radiaton with a DNI at 2670 kWh/m2/year. Linear Fresnel Reflector CSP Technology, thanks to its light and simple design, is the most suitable technology to provide maximized local value and ultimately reduce capital costs and LCOE of CSP technology [1]. A significant portion of the plant equipments are sourced and manufactured locally, providing know-how and employment opportunities to the Kingdom of Jordan. The project also includes a R&D part with the installation of a CSP laboratory and a knowledge transfer activity. Project stakeholders are building a solid foundation for the deployment of CSP in Jordan which has already launched a vast solar energy development program and in the Middle East where several large scale solar energy deployment programs are being implemented