Split-range control for improved operation of solar absorption cooling plants

This paper proposes the first application of a split-range control technique on concentrating solar collector to improve an absorption plant production. Solar plants have power availability in phase with cooling demand under design conditions. Thus, it is powerful technology context renewable energy and efficiency. These need systems cope irradiance intermittency, reject irradiation disturbances, manage fossil fuels backup dump closed-loop thermal-hydraulic oscillations. In this work, techniques are proposed simulated Spain. The consists Fresnel connected chiller. objectives operate 100% avoid safety defocus events while reducing temperature oscillations actuators effort. Firstly, current available controllers defined, then two modifications proposed. modification controller capable manipulating both flow collector, second PI substitute original chiller on-off controller. results compare, through validated models, different indicate that using reduces 94% sum effort 43% integral absolute set-point tracking error compared plant's factory pre-set controllers. suggested increase 66% production 63% exergy Besides, can be extended any control.