Streamlined open loop operation using Karnaugh Map for solar thermal power plant

Abstract

Optimizing the operation of a Solar Thermal Power plant presents significant challenges due to the variable nature of solar radiation and inherent uncertainties like cloud cover. These factors can lead to unexpected shutdowns, especially when the Solar Thermal Power plant is designed for daily startups and shutdowns aligned with sunrise and sunset. Traditional open-loop operations with constant steady-state inputs offer a degree of safety and reliability in output but may not fully leverage the plant’s operational potential. This study introduces the use of Karnaugh Map optimization to enhance the efficiency of Solar Thermal Power plant operations. Implementation of Karnaugh Map optimizer on Storage Tank with volume threshold limits, facilitates the construction of logic operations that respect operational constraints and minimize redundant inputs and its interactions, thereby provide opportunity to increase in thermal energy extraction on solar collector. This approach also ensures vital electric power generation without violating constraints, offering a simplified yet effective solution for real-time Solar Thermal Power plant operation management. This study demonstrates enhancement of electric power generation duration and thermal energy extraction by solar collector, increased by 1 h 24 min and 2078 MJ respectively for increasing from two to three varaibles threshold limits on the Storage Tank.