A simulation tool for concentrated solar power based on micro gas turbine engines

The paper includes the methods for developing a simulation tool for solar dish - micro gas turbine applications. The solar concentrator, receiver/absorber, micro gas turbine, high speed generator and power electronic systems have been modelled and the plant simulator has been set-up by means of a quadratic programming technique. The simulator has been used to perform steady state simulations for predicting the performance and for ensuring a safe and reliable power plant operation when the direct normal irradiation changes. The results for a net generated power of about 6 kWe have shown a nominal peak efficiency of about 10%, making this micro gas turbine solar plant layout market attractive.