Atmospheric Attenuation in Central Receiver Systems from DNI Measurements

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

7 Scopus Citations

Abstract

Atmospheric attenuation loss between the heliostat field and receiver has been recognized as a significant source of loss in Central Receiver System. Methods that can improve estimation of attenuation loss using available measurements will be useful in reducing uncertainty in estimation of CSP plant production, particularly in locations and climates that differ in atmospheric composition from typical arid desert locations. In clear sky situations, Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) is primarily impacted by aerosols in the atmosphere. Aerosols extinct direct radiation with the photons either being absorbed or scattered based on the aerosols optical characteristics. As aerosol loading is high close to the surface, the attenuation loss between heliostat and receivers is significantly influenced by amount of aerosols present on a particular day. The purpose of the study is to understand the impact of aerosols on attenuation loss and model this loss as a function of ratio of measured DNI to a calculated DNI for an "aerosol-free" atmosphere. The assumption here is that the reduction in clear sky DNI due to aerosols when compared to a theoretical "clean environment" value can provide valuable information about aerosol loading at the surface and therefore attenuation loss between heliostat and receiver. Preliminary analysis shows that such an approach is viable.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages129-134
Number of pages6
StatePublished - 2012
EventWorld Renewable Energy Forum, WREF 2012, Including World Renewable Energy Congress XII and Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) Annual Conference - Denver, CO, United States
Duration: 13 May 201217 May 2012

Conference

ConferenceWorld Renewable Energy Forum, WREF 2012, Including World Renewable Energy Congress XII and Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) Annual Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver, CO
Period13/05/1217/05/12

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/CP-5500-54760

Keywords

  • Aerosols
  • Attenuation loss
  • Central Receiver
  • DNI
  • Heliostat

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