solar thermal forecasting
The Value of Concentrating Solar Power and Thermal Energy Storage (2010)
This is a technical paper written by the National Renewable Laboratory, a division of the US Department of Energy. The report looks at the value added by thermal energy storage to concentrating solar power in the southwestern United States.
The Challenge of Solar Thermal Forecasting (2009)
This report was prepared by the company Bright Source and submitted to the California Independent System Operator (CAISO).
The report draws conclusions on solar thermal forecasting, based on several factors including sun position, solar field design, thermal mass/inertia issues, operating strategies, back-up technologies, and current plant status.
It has charts and graphs to show how factors such as sun position, heliostat orientation, shadowing and blocking can affect the energy flux on the receiver.
