A Conceptual Photo-Electro-Chemical-Thermal (PECT) Receiver for a More Robust Parabolic Trough CSP Plant
Abstract
This paper outlines the conceptualization and initial modelling of a Photo-Electro-Chemical-Thermal (PECT) Receiver, a hybridization of Sodium Sulphur (NaS), Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) and low cost Photo-voltaic Technology, for use in Concentrating Solar Plants (CSP). Visible solar radiation is converted directly to electricity for storage in NaS cells by thin film solar cells, while the Infrared and UV spectrum is absorbed into the HTF for electricity generation via a heat exchanger. The use of a PECT central receiver tube in CSP plants could result in increased plant robustness to energy demands, better overall energy utilization, and could provide a built in storage capability for PTC power plants.