The complementary utilization of three (or more) energy vectors opens the door to a wide range of optimization strategies but it also underlines the need for a powerful solar management algorithm that can distribute the direct normal irradiance (DNI) resource based on current demands and boundary conditions. SOLARX will develop a DNI nowcasting system combining different inputs, based on real time measurements, sky imagery-based nowcasting system and satellite based nowcasting system, all of them developed by Fraunhofer ISE.
A dynamic system model, based on AI, will be used to predict the dynamic behaviour of the SOLARX multi vector system, including dispatchability aspects related to storage capacities for heat and H2. The system, developed by Fraunhofer ISE, will provide greater flexibility in distributing the available energy to the different receivers depending on the current and near future demand of electricity, H2 and heat. SOLARX partner ACCIONA will provide the CST data for the models and the overall strategy impact and application scenarios will be assessed by SOLARX partners EMD International and Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU).
The methods SOLARX will use for controlling and managing the heliostat field will extend available methods that have been used for commercial systems. SOLARX will adapt and develop them to TRL4 (technology validated under laboratory conditions) for their actual application in a multi-receiver solar tower whilst the integration of demand curves of the energy vectors and the solar resource will be developed to TRL3 (experimental proof of concept). The integration of multi-receivers on a single solar tower has never been demonstrated. Therefore, the integration into a laboratory field, simulating a multi focus will bring the TRL level from 2 to 3 and its operation will bring the TRL to 4.
