Session: 08-01: Deployment and Analysis of CSP Subsystems

Paper Number: 157908

157908 - Integrated Design and Analysis of Csp Towers for Wind Resilience and Cost Efficiency 

Abstract: 

As the world transitions to renewable energy, Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) offers significant potential to emerge as a reliable and sustainable energy resource. While CSP technology remains in its early stages, extensive research has focused on improving thermal efficiency and evaluating its competitiveness with other energy generation methods. A critical aspect of CSP development is the construction and optimization of its support structures. This paper examines the application of structural analysis and design principles used in wind tower engineering to CSP towers, emphasizing their potential as a cost-effective and efficient solution.

CSP systems function by using heliostats to reflect solar radiation onto a receiver panel located atop a central tower. The concentrated solar energy heats a Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF), which then transfers thermal energy through a heat exchanger to drive power generation in the power block. Significant advancements have been made in improving CSP efficiency, including innovations by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), such as a light-trapping cavity-planar receiver design to enhance energy capture from reradiating surfaces. However, the structural stability and design of the CSP tower itself remain vital to ensure the system's overall functionality and cost-effectiveness.

With receiver panels often positioned at heights exceeding 110 meters, CSP towers face considerable forces, including the weight of the receiver and significant wind loads. Developing a robust support structure is essential not only for ensuring stability and load distribution but also for minimizing capital investment and maintenance costs. CSP tower support structures encounter challenges similar to those faced by wind towers, such as resistance to wind loads, structural stability, and efficient material usage. These similarities warrant a closer examination of how wind tower design methodologies can inform CSP tower construction.

This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of stresses induced by wind loads and moments acting on CSP tower structures, employing principles and methods commonly used in wind tower engineering. Specifically, the study addresses drag force distribution, stress analysis, and structural dynamics tailored to the unique requirements of CSP towers. To ensure accurate analysis, wind load parameters are adjusted based on tower height and site-specific geographic conditions, which can significantly impact structural behavior.

The findings demonstrate that applying wind tower design principles to CSP towers can enhance structural stability while optimizing material usage, resulting in significant cost reductions. For instance, substituting conventional concrete tower designs with steel monopole structures reduces material costs without compromising durability or reliability. This cross-industry approach not only supports structural integrity but also provides a feasible alternative to conventional CSP-specific designs.

The study underscores the potential for integrating wind tower calculations into CSP tower design, paving the way for further refinements in CSP projects. By leveraging established wind tower engineering practices, this approach can lower capital expenditures (CAPEX) and advance CSP technology while maintaining high standards of durability and reliability. This research highlights the broader implications of cross-industry innovation, promoting more sustainable and cost-effective solutions for renewable energy infrastructure.

Presenting Author: Mathew Farias University of Houston

Presenting Author Biography: Mathew Farias is a PhD candidate in the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering at University of Houston