One-axis tracking optimization of concentrating solar power plant for electricity production

Among available technologies for energy production from solar source, Concentrating Solar Power could give a significant contribution to develop a more sustainable energy system. This work is aimed to investigate a Concentrating Solar-Trough plant, having nominal power equal to 100 kWe and exploiting linear parabolic collectors, to generate electric energy by means of Organic Rankine Cycle Turbine. In particular, a model to estimate solar radiation on a sun-tracking surface is developed, in order to minimize the angle of incidence and thus maximize the incident beam radiation. A suitable inclination of the North-South rotation axis on the horizontal plane is examined. Moreover, system electricity production is assessed through a statistical approach based on local meteorological conditions.