Catching the Sun

Abstract

This article discusses various aspects of concentrating solar power (CSP) systems. CSP system ensures that more solar energy reaches the earth in one hour than the combined worldwide consumption of energy by human activities in one year. The article also focuses on various challenges posed by the CSP systems as alternative energy sources. Some CSP systems focus sunlight onto a line, where tubes contain a working fluid, such as synthetic oil, which is heated and pumped to heat exchangers to produce high-pressure steam. These systems are oriented north–south and track on a single axis from east to west over the course of a day. Technological improvements have been made in nearly all the sub-components of CSP systems over the past few years. Research efforts include developing novel materials and heat-transfer fluids, designing receivers that can achieve high temperatures, and building higher efficiency heat collectors. The study shows that nearly every part of the CSP system presents rich opportunities for mechanical engineers to contribute their expertise. In particular, the challenging SunShot Initiative goals call for innovations and ingenious system designs to drive costs down, while improving efficiencies.