Dynamic simulation models in the planning of experiments for control development

Abstract

This paper focuses on the utilization of dynamic simulation models in the planning of experiments for control development. The simulation system is a set of models based on the first principles for system level simulation of the complete TCP-100 research facility at Plataforma Solar de Almería (CIEMAT). This new research facility replaced the 32-year-old ACUREX facility with which so many advances in Automatic Control were reached by the research community. The dynamic models are developed to speedup this research for the new field. The part for control development is the solar field whose parabolic trough collectors (PTCs) are modelled in module level and combined into PTCs and loops. The models will be validated with experimental data and the loops are controlled. The sequential loops have different operating conditions. This research uses the parameters based on the parameter selection from providers’ data sheets and the engineering design project of the TCP-100. The system level model has been implemented in the Modelica language. All state variables are temperatures according to the modelling hypothesis applied, solar radiation, ambient temperature, setpoints for both circuits pumps, setpoints for two loops control valves and setpoint for air cooling power. The simulation experiments are first focused on the modules, PTCs and loops of the solar field and the full model need to be extended with dynamic LE models before going to the full simulation tests. In the test campaigns with the new facility, these models will be used for planning the test cases.