The PCS circuit is an experimental loop developed and operated by ENEA at its research centre of Casaccia, near Rome. The test loop has been built in 2003 and begun operation in 2004. The purpose is to test (in real conditions) parabolic trough collectors and connected circuit elements employing molten salt as Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) at temperatures ranging from 290 to 550 °C.

The SIM_PCS model simulates the main aspects of the PCS plant from the point of view of its dynamic behaviour, It is a quite accurate model in order to predict actual plant’s behaviour as subject to operator’s maneuvers, either in real-time and in accelerated time (up to 100x, depending on model size and computer speed); in other words to investigate the process control aspects and to give a support for plant’s operation. On the other hand, it is of course not the best model in order to evaluate a year-round plant’s performance, due to the quite long execution time that would be needed.

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