Technologies of Solar Thermal Power Generation

Energy is considered a prime agent in the generation of wealth and a significant factor in economic development. Limited fossil resources and environmental problems associated with them have emphasized the need for new sustainable energy supply options that use renewable energies. Solar thermal power generation systems also known as Solar Thermal Electricity (STE) generating systems are emerging renewable energy technologies and can be developed as viable option for electricity generation in future. This paper discusses the technology options, their current status and opportunities and challenges in developing solar thermal power plants in the context of India.

Journal of Chemical Sciences, 1997

The technologies and systems developed thus far for solar-thermal power generation and their approximate costs are described along with discussions for future prospects.

2013

Energy is available in two different alternatives, non renewable (coal, petroleum, natural gas) and renewable (solar, wind, small hydro) sources. In recent years solar energy has received great deal of attention as an easily utilizable source of renewable energy for providing electricity. Renewable energy sources like solar is indigenous and can help in reducing the dependency on fossil fuels. Solar energy provides a variable and environmental friendly option and national energy security at a time when decreasing global reserves of fossil fuels threatens the long-term sustainability of global economy. The solar energy can be utilized in two ways one is solar photovoltaic and other is solar thermal. This paper describe the generation of electricity through solar thermal energy in Indian perspective.

Solar Thermal Application: Literature Review by Tyohule A. Philip , 2022

Abstract : This literature survey on solar Thermal applications contains a discussion on the nature of sun, it’s composition and structure. It explores the historical background of solar energy, thermal energy, types and examples. It also figures out in details some forms of solar thermal collectors with its components. It also discusses some solar thermal applications with much emphasis on Solar water heaters with cognizance to tilt angle of the plate. Key words: Solar Thermal Energy, Solar Energy, Solar Collector, Thermal Application.

Applied Energy, 2010

Fossil fuel based power generation is and will still be the back bone of our world economy, albeit such form of power generation significantly contributes to global CO 2 emissions. Solar energy is a clean, environmental friendly energy source for power generation, however solar photovoltaic electricity generation is not practical for large commercial scales due to its cost and high-tech nature. Solar thermal is another way to use solar energy to generate power. Many attempts to establish solar (solo) thermal power stations have been practiced all over the world. Although there are some advantages in solo solar thermal power systems, the efficiencies and costs of these systems are not so attractive. Alternately by modifying, if possible, the existing coal-fired power stations to generate green sustainable power, a much more efficient means of power generation can be reached. This paper presents the concept of solar aided power generation in conventional coal-fired power stations, i.e., integrating solar (thermal) energy into conventional fossil fuelled power generation cycles (termed as solar aided thermal power). The solar aided power generation (SAPG) concept has technically been derived to use the strong points of the two technologies (traditional regenerative Rankine cycle with relatively higher efficiency and solar heating at relatively low temperature range). The SAPG does not only contribute to increase the efficiencies of the conventional power station and reduce its emission of the greenhouse gases, but also provides a better way to use solar heat to generate the power. This paper presents the advantages of the SAPG at conceptual level.

In this paper solar energy technologies are reviewed to find out the best option for electricity generation. Using solar energy to generate electricity can be done either directly and indirectly. In the direct method, PV modules are utilized to convert solar irradiation into electricity. In the indirect method, thermal energy is harnessed employing concentrated solar power (CSP) plants such as Linear Fresnel collectors and parabolic trough collectors. In this paper, solar thermal technologies including soar trough collectors, linear Fresnel collectors, central tower systems, and solar parabolic dishes are comprehensively reviewed and barriers and opportunities are discussed.

2012

A Solar Thermal Electricity generating system also known as Solar Thermal Power plant is an emerging renewable energy technology, where we generate the thermal energy by concentrating and converting the direct solar radiation at medium/high temperature (300ºC -800ºC). The resulting thermal energy is then used in a thermodynamic cycle to produce electricity, by running a heat engine, which turns a generator to make electricity. Solar thermal power is currently paving the way for the most cost-effective solar technology on a large scale and is heading to establish a cleaner, pollution free and secured future. Photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal technologies are two main ways of generating energy from the sun, which is considered the inexhaustible source of energy. PV converts sunlight directly into electricity whereas in Solar thermal technology, heat from the sun's rays is concentrated to heat a fluid, whose steam powers a generator that produces electricity. It is similar to the way fossil fuel-burning power plants work except that the steam is produced by the collected heat rather than from the combustion of fossil fuels. In order to generate electricity, five major varieties of solar thermal technologies used are:

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), 2023

Sun's energy is available in abundant quantity and also it is quite sustainable in its natural form hence forming a good alternative to match the ever-increasing demand for energy. The current solar power system efficiencies are relatively low as compared to the existing power systems running on fossil fuels which is a major hindrance to its global adoption .A thorough study is done on the current scenario in the power plants using the sun's energy is performed along with recent technological developments. New advancements in the materials capable of storing large amount of heat by changing phase at constant temperature (PCM) are also highlighted. Various hybrid modes of solar thermal power plants were compared based on parameters like Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and found to be competitive with their conventional counterparts. The paper also highlights various algorithms and methodologies applicable for enhancing the efficiency of the plants using the sun's energy.

IOP Publishing, 2019

The multiple uses of fossil fuels make them depleted in the coming years. Also, the large amount of pollution produced by the use of this fuel has made the world seriously think of environmentally familiar alternative sources of energy. Universal energy is vast and diverse energy, with the ability to cover the individual's energy needs in various fields in the coming years. The focus of this study was a parabolic dish system. There are different uses solar of parabolic dish applications that can be limited by two main groups: thermal generation and electric power generation. A thermal generation used to generate steam, solar cooking, water heating, and water distillation. The briefly objective is to review and analysis the thermal generation published by taken into considering used parabolic collector system. Also, evaluate solar dish operators in differences covering like, the composition of concentrators, the material of reflector, receiver design, parabolic dish diameter, rim angle, and focal length. These characteristics drive to entire structure possible for a parabolic dish. Finally, this article may be useful for the new research worker to consider the requirement for Thermal solar generation integrated with a parabolic dish.

A Solar Thermal Electricity generating system also known as Solar Thermal Power plant is an emerging renewable energy technology, where we generate the thermal energy by concentrating and converting the direct solar radiation at medium/high temperature (300ºC – 800ºC). The resulting thermal energy is then used in a thermodynamic cycle to produce electricity, by running a heat engine, which turns a generator to make electricity. Solar thermal power is currently paving the way for the most cost-effective solar technology on a large scale and is heading to establish a cleaner, pollution free and secured future. Photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal technologies are two main ways of generating energy from the sun, which is considered the inexhaustible source of energy. PV converts sunlight directly into electricity whereas in Solar thermal technology, heat from the sun's rays is concentrated to heat a fluid, whose steam powers a generator that produces electricity. It is similar to the way fossil fuel-burning power plants work except that the steam is produced by the collected heat rather than from the combustion of fossil fuels. In order to generate electricity, five major varieties of solar thermal technologies used are: