Abstract
Electricity from concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, gains an increasing interest and importance. To fully match the supply-demand principle, CSP processes include a thermal energy storage and back-up fuel supply. Novel CSP concepts are needed with specific targets of increased efficiency and reliability, and of reduced CAPEX and OPEX. The use of particle suspensions offers significant advantages since applicable in all sub-sections of the complete CSP as heat carrier from the receiver, to the heat storage, and ultimately to the power block. The use of particles in the steam generation (power block) is a common fluidized bed boiler technology. This paper will present the entire particle-based concept, while also discussing the potential to use biomass-based energy carriers as back-up heat supply. Process data and expected effects on the process economy of the system will be discussed.
Highlights
In the current concentrated solar power (CSP) technology, mostly Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTC) and Solar Power Towers (SPT) [1] are used, with either thermal fluids or molten salt eutectics as respective heat carriers or transfer fluids (HTF)
SPTs mostly apply molten salts, direct steam or hot air applications are proposed, each technology with its advantages and drawbacks [2,3,4,5], such as difficulties in storing heat in hot air and steam systems, possible solidification of molten salts at around 220 °C, molten salt degradation when heated beyond 565 °C, heat tracing of the molten salt circuits, etc
Particle suspension do not suffer from these limitations, and can operate at a very high and low temperature, while facilitating hot and cold storage [2]
Summary
In the current CSP technology, mostly Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTC) and Solar Power Towers (SPT) [1] are used, with either thermal fluids or molten salt eutectics as respective heat carriers or transfer fluids (HTF). Operating temperatures are limited to ~390 °C (PTC) or ~565 °C (molten salt in solar power towers, SPT). Particle suspension do not suffer from these limitations, and can operate at a very high and low temperature, while facilitating hot and cold storage [2]. The upper temperature limit will be determined by the high temperature mechanical properties of the construction materials.
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