Publications about IP-Solar

1 - IP-Solar: Development of a Web-Based Monitoring and Diagnostics Tool

Ph. Ohnewein, A. Dröscher, K. Schgaguler, F. Feichtner, E. Meißner, P. Luidolt, A. Köstinger, R. Heimrath, M. Jaindl, W. Streicher: ‚IP-Solar: Development of a Web-Based Monitoring and Diagnostics Tool for Solar Thermal Systems‘. Eurosun 2010, Graz, Austria

Download Full Article (336 KB)

Abstract:Large solar thermal systems (LSTS) are a promising market segment for solar energy. However, the realization of LSTS is more challenging compared to smaller plants, in both technical and economical terms. Permanent monitoring, data evaluation and fault detection during the operation of LSTS has shown to be crucial for ensuring optimal performance [4, 12].

The only cost-effective way for permanent surveillance of LSTS operation is to make use of a computer-aided tool that performs as many steps as possible in an automated mode. The ongoing R&D project ‘IP-Solar’ is developing the scientific basis and the technical fundamentals for such a system, resulting in a prototype of a web-based software tool. This paper presents the current state of development emphasizing the methodology of the operation diagnostics. In particular, the algorithm-based approach and its implementation are described in detail.

2 - Simulation based Fault Detection for Large Solar Thermal Systems

C. de Keizer, S. Kuethe, K. Vajen, U. Jordan, Ph. Ohnewein: ‚Simulation based Fault Detection for Large Solar Thermal Systems'. Eurosun 2010. Graz, Austria

Download full article (460 KB)

Abstract: Abstract: Solar thermal systems are designed to function for about 25 years, but faults and malfunctions are likely to occur at a certain time, causing energy and economic losses. Fault detection and monitoring during the operation of large solar thermal systems is essential for ensuring a continuous optimal energy yield. This paper describes several aspects of a simulation-based approach to detect faults.

In the simulation based approach, energy yields of large solar thermal systems are simulated with TRNSYS and then compared to measured data. TRNSYS models are developed with a modularized approach, so that the generation of a new model does not consume much time. Uncertainties of both measured and simulated data are taken into consideration for the fault analysis. Two case studies of large solar thermal systems, for which one year of measured data was available, are presented.

3 - Development of a modular approach of solar plants for IP-Solar

A. Dröscher, Ph. Ohnewein, M. Y. Haller, R. Heimrath: ‚Entwicklung eines modularen Ansatzes zur Beschreibung großer thermischer Solaranlagen für den Einsatz eines intelligenten Monitoring-Systems‘. OTTI Symposium für Thermische Solarenergie, 5.-7. Mai 2010, Bad Staffelstein, Deutschland

Download full article (345 KB)

Abstract (available only in German): Das Forschungsprojekt "IP-Solar" hat zum Ziel, die wissenschaftliche und technische Basis für ein Software-Tool zum dauerhaften und automatisierten Monitoring von großen thermischen Solaranlagen zu schaffen. Der vorliegende Beitrag befasst sich in erster Linie mit der Entwicklung einer Struktur zur Abbildung solcher Anlagen für das genannte Monitoring-System. Die gewählte modulare Form der Abbildung wird begründet sowie ihre Struktur beschrieben. Die Idee eines empfohlenen Mindest-Messkonzepts für thermische Solaranlagen wird vorgestellt. Die Grundzüge der Anlagenüberprüfung, die auf die modulare Abbildung der Hydraulik sowie der Messtechnik aufbaut, und deren Anforderungen die Abbildungsstruktur erfüllen muss, werden erläutert. In der Zusammenfassung wird auf einige wichtige Merkmale von IP-Solar eingegangen. Ein Ausblick auf die laufenden und kommenden Arbeiten im Projekt bildet den Abschluss.

4 - Modular specification for an intelligent monitoring system

A. Dröscher, Ph. Ohnewein, M. Y. Haller, R. Heimrath: ‚Modular Specification Of Large-Scale Solar Thermal Systems For The Implementation Of An Intelligent Monitoring System‘. Proceedings of ISES Solar World Congress 2009, 11-14 October 2009, Johannesburg, South Africa

Download full article (255 KB)

Abstract: The increasing number of large-scale solar thermal systems and the oftentimes required guarantee for the solar gains have created a demand for ’intelligent’ automated monitoring that includes data logging as well as data analysis, failure detection and failure identification. This paper presents the development of a modular framework for the description of large-scale solar thermal systems as a basis for an automated monitoring and failure detection software within a R&D project called 'IP-Solar'. The diversity of solar thermal system configurations has been investigated in a market analysis to evaluate their different characteristics that are crucial for a monitoring system. In the analysis, solar thermal systems in Central Europe with more than 80 m² of collector surface have been considered. The market analysis, the development of the modular framework design and the specification procedure are presented within this paper.

5 - Implementation of a modular approach in TRNSYS

A.C. de Keizer,  S. Küthe,  K. Zass,  C. Wilhelms,  K. Vajen: ‘Implementation of a modular approach for large-scale solar thermal systems in TRNSYS’. Proceedings of ISES Solar World Congress 2009, 11-14 October 2009, Johannesburg, South Africa

Download full article (1.7 MB)

Abstract: This study presents an approach to realise a modular way of building TRNSYS models for typical large-scale solar thermal systems. The time investment required for generating the system model is therefore much smaller, which is useful for e.g. automated failure detection. The model is organised in subsystems that can easily be connected or replaced. Furthermore different options of control strategies have been included in the subsystems and can be specified by setting flags in equation blocks. This is applied to for example the control strategy of the primary pump and of the solar charging strategy. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly build TRNSYS models for a multitude of hydraulically different solar thermal systems with diverse control strategies.
Typical TRNSYS subsystems for large solar thermal systems have been developed and compiled into several complete systems. These are running stably and give plausible results. However, some aspects need to be studied further, e.g. the increase of TRNSYS running time caused by the complexity of the subsystems and the uncertainties of the models.