ABSTRACT:
This document defines the expected performance of the Solar 10 Megawatt Pilot Plant on the basis of design characteristics. The Pilot Plant rating, operational limits, energy output, and efficiency are defined as a function of solar insolation and sun angle, which are a function of time. In developing the performance data, the following ground rules were used:
1. Plant performance calculations are based on subsystems characteristics used in developing the plant baseline design. Plant performance may degrade in time with any degradation of those subsystem characteristics, e.g., heliostat reflectivity, receiver absorbtivity, and the tolerances on the heliostat tracking mechanism.
2. The operating modes were selected to optimize the energy output of the plant.
3. The plant startup operation is based on the generation of useful power once a 15 sun angle is reached.