Reviewing the dysfunctions of large solar thermal system: a classification of sub-systems reliability

摘要

All technical processes are subject to dysfunctions during their lifespan, and large solar thermal systems (LSTS)rnare no exception to this rule. In order to deal with them and minimize their impact, a good knowledge ofrndysfunctions affecting LSTS is a major issue. In this way, the return on investment can be increased and therncompetitiveness of solar thermal energy could be also improved.rnThis paper presents a study of the dysfunctions which can affect LSTS. We first conducted a literature reviewrnand found out that more studies are necessary to obtain some up-to-date reliability data on the dysfunctions. Torncomplete the available information, our methodology combines a top-down approach based on a Failure Modes,rnEffects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) with a bottom-up approach based on a survey for domain experts.rnThanks to the merging of various sources, we propose a ranking of sub-systems reliability, showing inrnparticular that the less reliable solar sub-systems are the controller (control and sensors) and the primaryrntransport (hydraulic components of the primary loop). Other sub-systems are less prone to failure, but the statusrnof solar collection is particularly interesting. While previous studies often point it out as a critical sub-system,rnour results tend to show that it is more reliable in recent LSTS.