Solar Thermal Power Generation
Abstract
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) commonly is known to be used in huge, large-scale power plants, operating the solar thermal cycle at high temperatures to drive a turbine with the electrical output of the generator in the Megawatt range. The Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTCs) are large mirrors to be installed in long collector rows and with many rows in one collector field onto the ground. Using areas with good solar irradiation values e.g. in North Africa, a significant contribution to the electricity generation can be achieved. Additionally to this concept, the SOLITEM light-weight PTCs, which are suitable for roof integration and already in operation for highly efficient solar cooling and steam generation, are used in a new concept for the local trigeneration: On Cyprus, the first Trigeneration Plant connected to concentrating PTCs, to be able to supply cooling, heating and electricity in one solar thermal plant and at the same time, has been set into operation. Further R+D works are spent into the integration of solar seawater desalination. Once tested successfully, solar thermal energy will be able to cover all kinds of energies required and potable water. The new solar thermal energy concept will be used to increase the share of renewables even more than planned before. As a novelty for Turkey, also the operation of a Solar Power plant with 10 MW electrical power output is planned to be installed in the South-East of Turkey. Turkey offers nearly similar boundary conditions as Spain, where the first Concentrating Solar Power Plants in Europe have been setup into operation. The solar irradiation in the South of Turkey also is excellent to operate CSP.