The main objective of the Subtask B in the new Task 64/IV is the definition of modularized and “normalized” components/subsystems for applications in the field of Solar Heat for industrial Processes (SHIP), e.g. for the balance of plant (BOP), solar field, thermal energy storage and hydraulic circuit. The methodology to achieve this goal is composed of three steps:
1. Identification of components/subsystems that are used in commercial SHIP projects more often, taking into consideration the inputs delivered by the partners and information existing in current databases
2. Development of modular/standardized designs for these components/subsystems
3. Distinction between low and medium temperature SHIP applications
Step 1 was based on the analysis of the integration schemes that are more likely to be used in next commercial SHIP projects. It was assumed when preparing the work plan of Subtask B that during this analysis a small number of integration schemes would be identified as good candidates for next commercial projects. However, the integration schemes so far proposed by most of the industrial partners involved in Subtask B were quite different from each other, thus showing that the next commercial projects may use very different integration schemes, in both low and medium temperature range. To check to what extent this is true, the integration schemes so far proposed by the industrial partners are shown in this document (Section 2), together with information about the integration schemes used in the commercial projects included in the data base: www.ship-plants.info (Section 3).
For the above reasons, it was decided within Subtask B to adopt a new strategy. This new approach was based on the analysis of BOP options depending on the fluid required in the industrial process and the working fluid used in the solar field.
Once the list of these fluids was identified, the industrial partners were asked to perform an integration analysis of those combinations that were part of their business portfolio. Section 4 covers the contributions received to date.
International Energy Agency (IEA) , 2022.