Science and Technology Studies Commons^™

Formulation Of A Model Predictive Control Algorithm To Enhance The Performance Of A Latent Heat Solar Thermal System, Gianluca Serale, Massimo Fiorentini, Alfonso Capozzoli, Paul Cooper, Marco Perino

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences - Papers: Part B

Model predictive control has proved to be a promising control strategy for improving the operational performance of multi-source thermal energy generation systems with the aim of maximising the exploitation of on-site renewable resources. This paper presents the formulation and implementation of a model predictive control strategy for the management of a latent heat thermal energy storage unit coupled with a solar thermal collector and a backup electric heater. The system uses an innovative Phase Change Material slurry for both the heat transfer fluid and storage media. The formulation of a model predictive controller of such a closed-loop solar system is …