Performance testing as a means of industrial normalization of CSP technologies

摘要

An introduction to performance test codes applicable to concentrating solar power (CSP) is provided. An example of performance testing of a photovoltaic (PV) plant is used to show the methodology, since CSP industrial testing standards are unavailable at this time. The example case provides a discussion of the measurement requirements to evaluate the solar field. Finally, a brief introduction to uncertainty analysis is provided. The use and development of standard testing practices will eventually reduce testing uncertainty and provide a means for CSP and other renewable energy sources to be compared on an equal footing to traditional power industry technologies.