Advanced Feedforward Controller for a Molten Salt Receiver in Star Design Based on Real-Time Flux Measurement

Abstract

This paper presents a control system with a panel-wise applied feedforward temperature controller for a molten salt receiver in star design utilizing temperature measurements in the connecting pipes between the panels and a real-time flux density measurement as inputs. It is tested in realistic cloud passage scenarios and the results are compared to the results from an earlier developed control system for the same receiver, in which the temperature controller is based on a simple feedback controller (PID) supported by a simple feedforward controller. The results show that the performance of the new feedforward controller is outstanding and could be applied to common cylindrical receiver designs as well. Nevertheless, the highly increased actuator movement of the control valves is to be further investigated.

Keywords

• Molten Salt Receiver
• Star Design
• Feedforward Controller
• Model Predictive Control
• Cloud Passages