Annual Report 2006 - Plataforma Solar de Almería

CONCENTRATING SOLAR SYSTEMS UNIT
Figure 3.6
Diagram of the innovative fluid test loop
• Automatic control valves for precise, safe variation of collector input flow.
• Hydraulic circuit and accessories able to work at 100 bar/400ºC
Figure 3.6 shows a simplified diagram of the test loop designed for operating
flexibility.
This experimental system is to be erected at he PSA on a site north of the
DISS plant control room, which will also be used as the control room for the
new test loop, since it is so close.
Most of the test loop components were acquired in 2006, and some have
been installed, including the two solar collectors. These solar collectors will be
provided with an innovative solar tracking system to ensure the integrity of
the absorber tubes, automatically taking the collectors out of focus without
the need for a UPS in the driver motors if the electrical supply to the drivers
should be cut off.
Although some special equipment required was difficult to find, all of the
major equipment was purchased in 2006. Underground electrical supply channels
were dug and the pneumatic loop for the corresponding DISS plant systems
was also laid.
The CIEMAT Engineering Unit used finite elements programming to calculate
the stress in the metal absorber tubes in the loop under various operating
conditions, verifying that they will able to resist foreseen operating conditions.
3.2.7 Other activities of the medium Concentration Group
In addition to the activities described above, the PSA medium Concentration
Group carried out other activities, such as those below:
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