Analysis of the operation of a Fresnel solar plant through experimental tests: Energy production and efficiency

There is currently a lack of information on the real performance of concentrating solar systems using Fresnel collectors. In order to promote the penetration of this technology in industrial facilities with thermal demand, numerous daily operational tests have been carried out in a 105.6 m2 Fresnel solar plant in southwest Spain. An analysis has been conducted covering all months of the year and including real direct radiation data. The tests were classified according to their characteristics, and the duration, available solar energy, energy production, and real efficiency were calculated. The best operating conditions were achieved in summer, with an average daily energy production of 174.3 kWh in July and 160 kWh in August. The maximum average efficiency value, however, was reached in May, at 24.4%. The use of actual data measured at the solar plant provided information on the behaviour of a Fresnel installation under real operating conditions. Key words. Solar plant, linear Fresnel collector, performance analysis, energy production, efficiency.