Development Steps for Concentrating Solar Power Technologies With Maximum Impact on Cost Reduction: Results of the European ECOSTAR Study

Abstract

Beside continuous implementation of concentrating solar power plants (CSP) in Europe, which stipulate cost reduction by mass production effects, further R&D activities are necessary to achieve the cost competitiveness to fossil power generation. Therefore the cost range of 15–20 cents€/kWh for the currently planned CSP systems in Europe has to be decreased by a factor of 2–4. The European Concentrated Solar Thermal Roadmap (ECOSTAR) study that is conducted by leading CSP research institutes in Europe intends to stipulate the direction for R&D activities in the context of cost reduction. It uses a common methodology approach, based on an annual performance model to identify the most essential technical innovations that will reduce the cost of seven different CSP system concepts, which are currently under promotion world wide. The potential of innovative concepts for solar light weight concentrators, low-cost thermal energy storage concepts, solar receivers/absorbers and power cycles are in the main focus of interest. The results of the study include a description of the value of CSP power, the sensitivity of the electricity cost information, a list of innovations that have been investigated and recommendations for the focus of further R&D work.

A new hybrid ocean thermal energy conversion–Offshore solar pond (OTEC–OSP) design: A cost optimization approach

“…As a heat sink, the surrounding air is used in a cooling tower. Much research on improvement of LEC for CSP technology already has been performed, see, e.g., (Pitz-Paal et al, 2004;Sargent and Lundy LLC Consulting Group, 2003;Cohen et al, 1999;Trieb, 2000).…”

“…Many flat mirrors (heliostats) reflect solar rays on the receiver. Typical temperatures in the receiver are 600-1200°C, with molten salts as working media (Pitz-Paal et al, 2004;Wenslawski, 2003).…”

“…Typical generated temperatures are about 400°C with thermal oil as working fluid (Pitz-Paal et al, 2004). (2) In parabolic dish technology the concentrator has the shape of a parabolic dish.…”

“…(2) In parabolic dish technology the concentrator has the shape of a parabolic dish. Typical temperatures in the receiver are about 800°C, with molten salts or thermal oils as working media (Pitz-Paal et al, 2004). (3) Central receiver technology deploys a tank (receiver) wherein the medium is heated.…”

“…Increase in safety, for instance, is an important indicator for environmental sustainability. Energy efficiency is considered a measure for economic appropriateness (Pitz-Paal et al, 2004). Reaching high efficiencies is essential for (fossil) fuel consuming power plants but not necessarily for STE plants.…”