Problem:

Results from SAM models using the Rankine cycle are insensitive to the user input of boiler pressure. This behavior is by design because SAM has no internal relationships between cycle boiler pressure, cycle design performance, and cycle cost. SAM relies on users to update these values base on the system they are trying to model.

Solution:

In the current state, this model behavior is not clear to the user. Specifically, the purpose and/or behavior of boiler pressure specification is not well documented. This issue could be handle by either of the following methods:

1. Update documentation to clearly state the purpose of the boiler pressure input and that the user should update design efficiency and power cycle cost assumptions.
2. Remove boiler pressure for the SAM GUI, provide models with a nominal boiler pressure, and update documentation.

Both of these solutions would require a characterization of the purpose of boiler pressure within the current SAM Rankine cycle model.

Quick Parametric Results (CSP Tower Molten Salt - Rankine Cycle)

LCOE (real):

Capacity Factor:

Note: The versions of the Rankine cycle model are used across multiple SAM models.