Sandia National Laboratories: Engineering Framework for Automated Performance Assessment of the Generation Three Pilot Plant

Discipline: Interdisciplinary

Advisor: Luis Rabelo

This project supports the Generation 3 Particle Pilot Plant (G3P3) at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) through the development of an automated framework for performance assessment and engineering analysis. The objective is to transform plant sensor data into meaningful engineering metrics that support the evaluation of thermal performance, operational efficiency, system stability, and equipment behavior. The framework will enable near-real-time monitoring, post-test analysis, and long-term performance evaluation, reduce manual effort, and improving the consistency of plant assessment. In the absence of active test campaigns, the system will be developed and validated using a digital simulator of G3P3. The final outcome will be an engineering-oriented capability that helps NSTTF evaluate and validate advanced concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies more effectively, while supporting the broader goal of advancing sustainable and commercially viable solar thermal energy systems.

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