Solarthermal parabolic trough power plants with integrated storage capacity

Wolf-Dieter Steinmann, Markus Eck and Doerte Laing

International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, 2005, vol. 3, issue 1/2, 123-336

Abstract: Parabolic trough power plants use concentrated direct insulation for steam generation in a Rankine cycle. The fundamentals for direct steam generation in parabolic troughs have been developed in recent years, the feasibility was successfully demonstrated at a solar powered test facility reaching steam temperatures of 400°C at a maximum pressure of 100 bar. Important components for the accelerated market penetration of solarthermal power plants are cost-effective local storage systems. Main benefits of storage systems are: extended utilisation of the power block, improved efficiency of components and facilitated integration into the electricity system. Within the R&D project WESPE, a test facility for solid sensible heat storage is developed and connected to a solar collector loop. A simulation tool for the analysis of the transient performance of the storage system integrated into the power plant was implemented. The results show a significant potential for economic optimisation by applying advanced operation strategies based on an improved adaptation of the storage unit to the characteristics of solar collectors and power cycle.

Keywords: solar-thermal power plants; parabolic trough power plants; energy storage; storage capacity; steam generation; Rankine cycle; solar power; solar energy; heat storage; simulation; solar collectors; power cycle. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2005
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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