Chapter ten - Solar Thermal Power Systems

Abstract

This chapter deals with the generation of mechanical and subsequently electrical energy from solar energy by heat engines powered with concentrating solar collectors. It also examines use of solar ponds for power production. In solar thermal power systems, solar thermal energy, usually collected by concentrating solar collectors, is used to operate a heat engine. Some of these systems also incorporate heat storage, which allows them to operate during cloudy weather and nighttime. The main challenge in designing these systems is to select the correct operating temperature. This is because the efficiency of the heat engine rises as its operating temperature rises, whereas the efficiency of the solar collector reduces as its operating temperature rises. Five system architectures have been used for such applications. The first four are high-temperature systems: the parabolic trough collector system, the linear Fresnel reflector, the power tower system, and the dish system. The last one is the solar pond, which is a low-temperature system. These reflector systems are also analyzed in this chapter, together with models of heat engines derived from basic thermodynamic principles.