Solarthermal parabolic trough power plants with integrated storage capacity

Author: Steinmann Wolf-Dieter   Eck Markus   Laing Doerte  

Publisher: Inderscience Publishers

ISSN: 1472-8923

Source: International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, Vol.3, Iss.1-2, 2005-04, pp. : 123-336

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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.