Use of Linear Predictive Control for a Solar Electric Generating System

In a solar electric generating system (SEGS), it is important to maintain a specified set point for the collector outlet temperature. Currently, a skilled plant operator adjusts the volume flow rate of the heat transfer fluid circulating through the collectors to achieve this goal. In this paper, a linear model predictive controller that approximates the behaviour of the operator and that can be used to control the plant is described. The development of the plant model and controller are presented. The performance of the controller is evaluated and the influence of the control on the gross output of the plant is examined. The use of the linear model predictive controller to control building energy systems that have significant capacitance and fluid time delays is discussed.