Simulation and testing of a solar reciprocating steam engine

Abstract

A solar thermal system for steam generation was built in the city of San Carlos, Salta province, Argentina. This system is a Linear Fresnel Collector (LFC) used for producing steam for many applications, such as vegetable drying, water desalination, and power generation. A steam engine was coupled to this LFC for power generation. This paper shows the steam engine simulation, where thermal and dynamic equations were developed and written on the Simusol program. Mechanical power output and other parameters of the engine were also simulated as well as steam consumption, in order to establish laws in relation with mechanical load on axis and regulate the rpm regime and inlet pressure for optimal steam engine operation. The results of the simulation of power output are compared with experimental measurements. The steam engine was tested, and the obtained experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of generating power (i.e. 2 kW ± 5% (288 rpm) or 8 kW ± 2% (400 rpm)). Furthermore, it is found that the experimental measurements are in an acceptable agreement with the simulation outcomes of the analytical model. Finally, knowing the steam engine behavior allows to optimize the solar energy resource use for power generation.