Thermoeconomic Coherence: A Methodology for the Analysis and Optimisation of Thermal Systems

Rovira, Antonio; Martínez-Val, José M.; Valdés, Manuel

doi:10.3390/e18070250

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 24 publications

(20 reference statements)

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“…In the development of the present prototype, a Thermo-economic optimization of solar thermal devices was applied through the coherent integration of technologies [55]. The concept of "thermal coherence" was introduced by Rovira and Martínez-Val [56], and it is a tool actually suited for Solar Thermal design, because this type of design can easily be decomposed in modules with clear functionality, which can be characterized by an "energy efficiency" value and a unitary cost.…”

Section: Application Example: Sundialmentioning

confidence: 99%

A New Thermal-Solar Field Configuration: The Rotatory Fresnel Collector or Sundial

2021

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A new type of Fresnel array has been devised and constructed as an answer to the need to reduce the investment costs of solar thermal collectors, without jeopardizing their efficiency in capturing solar radiation at high temperatures. The array of mirror bands is fixed onto a horizontal platform, which rotates around a virtual vertical axis, so that the sun is in the extrapolated vertical plane of symmetry of the array. The receptor central line is also placed in said plane, and it is physically made of at least one tube at each side of the plane. The geometrical relation between the mirrors and the receptor is therefore fixed. The platform rotates with the same speed as that of the sunlight’s azimuthal component. On the contrary, the angle of incidence of the sunlight on the mirrors changes as the sun rises and declines in its daily apparent motion, but this effect does not disturb the radiation concentration kinematics, although it induces a shift along the receptor. This is a new configuration based on the use of simple and cheap flat mirrors to obtain circular cylindrical mirrors. These mirrors are made of originally flat mirrors that are bent by applying an inexpensive and simple bending technique patented by our research group. The radius of curvature of each mirror is tuned to the distance from the mirror to the receiver central line. The integration of different scientific domains (such as structural analysis) and elementary technologies (such as 3D printing) in this innovative solar radiation concentrator and receiver can lead to a large reduction in costs. Nevertheless, the first experimental campaign has shown additional problems in the receiver configuration, which should be addressed in a next stage of research. This paper explains the methodology used and procedures in the development of the first prototype of the Sundial.

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Section: Application Example: Sundialmentioning

confidence: 99%

A New Thermal-Solar Field Configuration: The Rotatory Fresnel Collector or Sundial

2021

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“…The concept of "thermal coherence" was introduced by Rovira and Martínez-Val in the paper [15], and it is a tool actually suited for Solar Thermal, because they can easily be decomposed in modules with clear functionality, which can be characterized by an "energy efficiency" and a unitary cost.…”

Section: Thermo-economic Coherence In Solar Thermal Facilitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The CSP Optimization scheme represents the options that has to be considered when designing the solar thermal plant. With all these elements in mind, we can reach the optimization of the plant design according to the tool and criteria set out in [15].…”

Section: Thermo-economic Coherence In Solar Thermal Facilitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thermo-Economic Optimization of Solar Thermal Devices by Coherent Integration of Technologies

Nogueras¹

2020

EPE

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Radiation is a form of energy where the angular variable of the direction of its photons has a primary importance, particularly for radiation concentration processes, which are essential tools to reach high temperatures from radiation beams (as the solar ones) with moderate intensities. Solar radiation cannot be used directly to feed thermodynamic cycles, and optical concentration must be applied to that goal. In general, reflection from mirrors is preferred to refraction by lenses in this case, because they have less optical aberrations. Concentration conveys very high temperatures in the receiver. However, the higher the temperature, the lower the efficiency of the solar thermal apparatus. Besides that, economy also suffers quite a lot when going to very high concentration factors, which is one of the main burdens in the development of Solar Thermal Energy. A new configuration of solar radiation concentrator is presented. It includes a salient innovation in the way the mirrors are given the right curvature by mechanical forces. Those mirrors are originally flat and do not need any special thermal treatment for this purpose. The whole device concept has been guided by the principle of thermo-economic coherence, which requires similar efforts in all degrees of freedom that have strong influence in the performance and cost of the system. The paper shows the decision tree that has oriented the project, following the principle of equilibrium in efforts, which leads to a design window of moderate values in the main variables. The prototype of this new configuration has already been built, and the first stage of research is considered to be finished, because the prototype has shown excellent conditions to include selected (fitting) technologies at a very low cost.

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“…The concept of thermal coherence [ 34 ] will be used to this goal. A main prescription in this quest will be provided by the classical optimization rule of allotting the same effort to each degree of freedom involved in the definition of the optimum state.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Optimization of an Industrial Sector Regulated by an International Treaty. The Case for Transportation of Perishable Foodstuff

Martínez-Val¹,

Ramos

2021

Entropy

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Transportation of perishable foodstuff is an engineering and commercial activity ruled by an international Agreement (the ATP) that needs an updated regulation. Before addressing such updating, some analyses are required about the physics of the problem, in order to identify the optimum use of the available technologies and the advantages represented by new methodologies that could be enabled soon. It is worth pointing out that manufacturers of ATP equipment follow quite closely the prescriptions given by this Agreement. So, optimizing those prescriptions will generate a general optimization trend in this sector. In this paper, a coherent analysis on these subjects is presented, and a new coefficient is proposed for qualifying ATP units, and some new tests are also proposed for measuring that coefficient in an efficient and inexpensive way. These goals are justified in this paper as a contribution from basic physics to a particular domain of Thermal Engineering. The paper is intended to be a bridge from Science to Technology, which is a must to get optimum results in exploiting technical knowledge.

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Thermoeconomic Coherence: A Methodology for the Analysis and Optimisation of Thermal Systems

Cited by 3 publications

References 24 publications

A New Thermal-Solar Field Configuration: The Rotatory Fresnel Collector or Sundial

A New Thermal-Solar Field Configuration: The Rotatory Fresnel Collector or Sundial

Thermo-Economic Optimization of Solar Thermal Devices by Coherent Integration of Technologies

Optimization of an Industrial Sector Regulated by an International Treaty. The Case for Transportation of Perishable Foodstuff

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