The Potential of Medium-Scale Solar Thermal Power and Solar Polygeneration
Abstract
With a study funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) we could show that medium-sized solar thermal power plants in the range of 50 kWel to 5 MWel are an interesting option in countries with high irradiation potential . Especially the combined use of solar heat, cold and electricity in polygeneration can enhance the economics appreciably. Today industrial sites in remote areas mainly cover their energy demand by diesel generators and fossil burners at high running costs. Industrial companies could implement solar polygeneration systems which would lead to a significant increase of solar usage in energy production.