Central Receiver System Solar Power Plant Using Molten Salt as Heat Transfer Fluid

Abstract

Of all the technologies being developed for solar thermal power generation, central receiver systems (CRSs) are able to work at the highest temperatures and to achieve higher efficiencies in electricity production. The combination of this concept and the choice of molten salts as the heat transfer fluid, in both the receiver and heat storage, enables solar collection to be decoupled from electricity generation better than water∕steam systems, yielding high capacity factors with solar-only or low hybridization ratios. These advantages, along with the benefits of Spanish legislation on solar energy, moved SENER to promote the 17MWe Solar TRES plant. It will be the first commercial CRS plant with molten-salt storage and will help consolidate this technology for future higher-capacity plants. This paper describes the basic concept developed in this demonstration project, reviewing the experience accumulated in the previous Solar TWO project, and present design innovations, as a consequence of the development work performed by SENER and CIEMAT and of the technical conditions imposed by Spanish legislation on solar thermal power generation.

Modular object-oriented methodology for the resolution of molten salt storage tanks for CSP plants

“…Hence, thermal energy storage systems can be considered a key aspect for CSP plants due to their ability of extending solar power production beyond periods of no solar radiation reducing the mismatch between solar energy and demand. Examples of how to take advantage of this technology when operating solar plants can be found in [1,2,3].…”

Enhanced heat transfer performances of molten salt receiver with spirally grooved pipe

“…In solar thermal power system, the heat receiver [2] absorbs concentrated solar radiation to increase the temperature of the working fluid, and it will directly affect the operating temperature and thermodynamic efficiency of the whole system. Since the heat receiver is the critical equipment for photo-thermal transformation, its heat transfer performance and enhancement technology are important problems for solar thermal system.…”

Technological assessment of different solar-biomass systems for hybrid power generation in Europe

“…Among all other concentrating solar power technologies, Solar Tower (ST) or Central Receiver Systems (CRS) is able to produce highest temperature >500°C and steam pressure (up to 130bar) and provide better efficiencies in electricity and heat production [105,106]. Solar tower system can operate with Direct Steam Generation (DSG) or Molten Salt for storage system in terms of power generation.…”