Solar energy systems simulation and analysis

A subrountine to provide central receiver performance simulation code STEAEC with the capability of interpolating the UofH NS code performance summary has been written and is documented herein. A call of this subroutine obviates the need to extrapolate day/hour output efficiencies to produce the elevation-azimuth field performance data, which often involves non-physical Sun locations. The changes are completely transparent to the user. The aspect ratio study was delayed while substantive improvements to the handling of heliostate spacing subject to mechanical limits were made. Mechanical limits play a definitive roll as the aspect ratio increases. The improvements are described. Work on insolation modeling is being culminated with the development of a new procedure for accounting for atmospheric transmission losses between heliostat and receiver. A detailed interpolation/extrapolation procedure based on the LOWTRAN 3 analysis was developed. Subrountines to provide all the necessary input data were also generated. Work has begun on a tentative basis which will lead to a user compatible version of the IH code and to an accompanying users guide.