Overview of High Temperature Solar Power Production

Overview of High Temperature
Solar Power Production
Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Technology Overview
 High temperature can be achieved by concentrating
solar radiation using various mirror configurations. High
temperature heat can be used in the following
applications;
 Electric power generation.

 Hydrogen production

Electric Power Generation
 Using concentrating systems solar power plants
produce electric power by converting the sun's energy
into high-temperature heat.
 The heat is then channeled through a conventional
generator.
 The plants consist of two parts:
1. That collects solar energy and converts it to heat, and
2. That converts heat energy to electricity.

Electric Power Generation
 Concentrating solar power systems can be sized from
(10 kilowatts up to hundreds of megawatts).
 Some systems use thermal storage during cloudy
periods or at night.
 Others can be combined with natural gas and the
resulting hybrid power plants provide high-value,
dispatchable power.
 Concentrating solar power plants generate their peak
output during sunny periods when peak electricity
demand occurs as air conditioning loads are at their
peak.

Technology Overview
 These attributes, along with world record solar-to-
electric conversion efficiencies, make concentrating
solar power an attractive renewable energy option in the
sunbelt regions worldwide.
 There are three kinds of concentrating solar power
systems. This classification according to the way how
they collect solar energy.
 Trough systems,
 Dish/engine systems, and
 Power tower systems.

Trough systems
 In such systems the sun's energy is concentrated by
parabolic curved, trough-shaped reflectors onto a
receiver pipe running along the inside of the curved
surface.
 This energy heats oil flowing through the pipe, and the
heat energy is then used to generate electricity in a
conventional steam generator.
 A collector field comprises many troughs in parallel rows
aligned on a north-south axis.

Trough systems
 This configuration enables the single-axis troughs to
track the sun from east to west during the day to
ensure that the sun is continuously focused on the
receiver pipes.
 Trough designs can incorporate thermal storage—
setting aside the heat transfer fluid in its hot phase—
allowing for electricity generation several hours into the
evening.
 Currently, all parabolic trough plants are "hybrids,"
meaning they use fossil fuel to supplement the solar
output during periods of low solar radiation.

Trough systems
 Parabolic concentrators have been successfully
operating commercially since 1984, including the largest
solar power plant of any kind, followings are key
countries having Solar Energy Generating Systems.
 1st Germany 3.8 GW

 2nd Japan 1.9 GW
 3rd US 814 MW
 4th Spain 632 MW

Dish/Engine Systems
 A dish/engine system uses a mirrored dish (similar to a
very large satellite dish).
 The dish-shaped surface collects and concentrates the
sun's heat onto a receiver, which absorbs the heat and
transfers it to fluid within the engine.
 The heat causes the fluid to expand against a piston or
turbine to produce mechanical power.
 The mechanical power is then used to run a generator
or alternator to produce electricity by an electric
generator or alternator.

Dish/Engine Systems
 Dish/engine systems use dual-axis collectors to track
the sun.
 The ideal concentrator shape is parabolic, created either
by a single reflective surface or multiple reflectors.
 There are many options for receiver and engine type,
including Stirling engine and Brayton receivers.
 Dish/engine systems are not commercially available,
although ongoing demonstrations indicate good
potential.

Dish/Engine Systems
 Individual dish/engine systems currently can generate
about 25 kilowatts of electricity.
 More capacity is possible by connecting dishes
together.
 These systems can be combined with natural gas and
the resulting hybrid provides continuous power
generation.
 The dish-Stirling system works at higher efficiencies
than any other current solar technologies, with a net
solar-to-electric conversion efficiency reaching 30%.

Dish/Engine Systems
 One of the system’s advantages is that it is “somewhat
modular,” and the size of the facility can be ramped up
over a period of time.
 That is compared to a traditional power plant or other
large-scale solar technologies that have to be
completely built before they are operational.

Solar Power Towers
 By collecting solar energy during daylight hours and
storing it in hot molten salt, solar power towers give
utilities an alternative method for meeting peak loads.
 The receiver collects the sun's heat in a heat-transfer
fluid (liquid salt), which is used to generate steam for a
conventional steam turbine located at the foot of the
tower for production of electricity.
 The liquid salt at 290°C is pumped from a cold storage
tank through the receiver, where it is heated to 565°C
and then on to a hot tank for storage.

Solar Power Towers
 When power is needed from the plant, hot salt is pumped
to a steam generating system that produces superheated
steam to power a turbine and generator.
 From the steam generator, the salt is returned to the cold
tank, where it is stored and eventually reheated in the
receiver.
 They are unique among solar technologies because they
can store energy efficiently and cost effectively.
 They can operate whenever the customer needs power,
even after dark or during cloudy weather.

Solar Power Towers
 Power towers operate by focusing a field of thousands
of mirrors onto a receiver located at the top of a
centrally located tower.
 With thermal storage, power towers can operate at an
annual capacity factor of 65%, which means they can
potentially operate for 65% of the year without a backup
fuel source. Without energy storage, solar technologies
like this are limited to annual capacity factors near 25%.

Thermal Storage
 Uses high heat capacity fluids as heat transfer
storage mediums
 12 to 17 hours of storage will allow plants to have up
to 60% to 70% capacity factors.

Thermal Output
of Hybrid Plant with Thermal Storage

Solar Hydrogen Production
Example: Water splitting: 2H2O → 2H2 + O2
Renewable Energy Resources 18

Solar Energy
 Steam Methane Reforming
 Steam methane reforming is a possible process to
produce hydrogen. Methane is reformed at elevated
temperature and pressure to produce a syngas (mixture
of H2 and CO).
CH4+H2O Heat (206 kJ/ mole) 2H2 + CO
 The reforming reaction is carried out in a reformer
containing tubes filled with nickel catalyst at
temperatures between 500ºC and 950ºC and a pressure
around 30 atmospheres. Heat required for this process
is provided by solar energy.

 Coal Gasification
 Like steam methane reforming, coal gasification
proceeds by a treatment of coal feedstock with high
temperature steam (1330ºC) to produce syngas
(mixture of H2 and CO).
Coal (carbon source) + H2O H2 + CO + impurities
 The heat required for this gasification step comes from
controlled addition of oxygen, which allows partial
oxidation of a small amount of the coal feedstock.

Coal Gasification
 Because of this, the reaction is carried out in either an
air-blown or oxygen-blown gasifier. The oxygen blown
gasifier must be supplied with O2 from an independent
air purification system.

 Sulfur-Iodine Cycle
 In the sulfur-iodine cycle, a heat source, possibly a solar
dish, provides the heat necessary to drive three coupled
thermo-chemical reactions.
 The coupled reaction system takes water as an input
and through a series of reactions involving sulfur and
iodine produces H2 and O2 as output. Process flow
sheets have been developed for heat sources at 850 °C
and 950°C.
 The S-I cycle is described by the reactions:

2H2O + SO2 + I2 Heat (-216 kJ/ mole) H2SO4+ 2 HI (< 120oC)
H2SO4 Heat ( 371 kJ/ mole) H2O +SO2 + ½ O2 (> 800oC)
2HI Heat ( 12 kJ/ mole) H2 + I2 (> 300oC)
Net Effect H2O H2 + ½ O 2

LENS CONCENTRATORS
PARABOLIC TROUGH
PARABOLIC DISH
PARABOLIC DISH
SOLAR FURNACE
& ENGINE
Renewable Energy Resources 24

Solar Energy
SOLAR FURNACE CENTRAL RECEIVER
Comparison of
Technologies
(2006)

 Solar Photovoltaic Systems

What is a solar cell?
 Solid state device that converts incident solar

energy directly into electrical energy
 Efficiencies from several percent up to 20-
30%.
 No moving parts
 No noise
 Lifetimes of 30-40 years or more

PV Cells
 Photovoltaic energy is the conversion of sunlight into
electricity. A photovoltaic cell, commonly called a solar cell
or PV, is the technology used to convert solar energy
directly into electrical power. A photovoltaic cell is a non
mechanical device usually made from silicon alloys.
 Sunlight is composed of photons, or particles of solar
energy. These photons contain various amounts of
energy corresponding to the different wavelengths of the
solar spectrum.
 When photons strike a photovoltaic cell, they may be
reflected, pass right through, or be absorbed.

 Only the absorbed photons provide energy to generate
electricity. When enough sunlight (energy) is absorbed by
the material (a semiconductor), electrons are dislodged
from the material's atoms. Special treatment of the material
surface during manufacturing makes the front surface of the
cell more receptive to free electrons, so the electrons
naturally migrate to the surface.
 When the electrons leave their position, holes are
formed. When many electrons, each carrying a negative
charge, travel toward the front surface of the cell, the
resulting imbalance of charge between the cell's front and
back surfaces creates a voltage potential like the negative
and positive terminals of a battery. When the two surfaces
are connected through an external load, electricity flows.

How Solar Cells Work
1. Photons in sunlight hit the
solar panel and are absorbed
by semiconducting materials,
such as silicon.
2. Electrons (negatively charged)

are knocked loose from their
atoms, allowing them to flow
through the material to
produce electricity.
3. An array of solar cells

converts solar energy into a
usable amount of
direct current (DC) electricity.

 The photovoltaic cell is the basic building block of a
photovoltaic system. Individual cells can vary in size
from about 1 centimeter (1/2 inch) to about 10 centimeter
(4 inches) across. However, one cell only produces 1 or
2 watts, which isn't enough power for most applications.
 To increase power output, cells are electrically
connected into a packaged weather-tight
module. Modules can be further connected to form an
array. The term array refers to the entire generating
plant, whether it is made up of one or several thousand
modules. The number of modules connected together in
an array depends on the amount of power output
needed.

 Photovoltaic Systems consist of several electronic
components which work together to collect solar radiation
and convert it into electricity.
– Collectors – Energy Storage System
– Inverter – Distribution Center

Available Cell Technologies
 Single-crystal or Mono-crystalline Silicon
 Polycrystalline or Multi-crystalline Silicon
 Thin film
 Ex. Amorphous silicon or Cadmium Telluride

Monocrystalline Silicon Modules
 Most efficient
commercially available
module (11% - 14%)
 Most expensive to
produce
 Circular (square-
round) cell creates
wasted space on
module

Polycrystalline Silicon Modules
 Less expensive to make

than single crystalline
modules
 Cells slightly less efficient
than a single crystalline
(10% - 12%)
 Square shape cells fit into
module efficiently using
the entire space

Amorphous Thin Film
 Most inexpensive
technology to produce
 Metal grid replaced with
transparent oxides
 Efficiency = 6 – 8 %
 Can be deposited on
flexible substrates
 Less susceptible to shading
problems
 Better performance in low
light conditions that with
crystalline modules

Solar Cell Market Estimate

Selecting the Correct Module
 Practical Criteria
 Size
 Voltage
 Availability
 Warranty
 Mounting Characteristics
 Cost (per watt)

Effects of Temperature
 As the PV cell
temperature
increases above
25º C, the module
V decreases by
approximately
0.5% per degree C

Effects of Shading/Low Insolation
 As insolation
decreases
amperage
decreases while
voltage remains
roughly
constant

Grid-Tied System
 Advantages
 Low: Easy to install
(less components)
 Grid can supply power
 Disadvantages
 No power when grid
goes down

Grid-Tied System
(With Batteries)
 Complexity
 High: Due to the addition
of batteries
 Grid Interaction
 Grid still supplements
power
 When grid goes down
batteries supply power
to loads.

Off-Grid Stand Alone Systems
 Off-grid stand alone systems operate independent of the

electrical grid. You can purchase individual components
to build your own system or purchase pre-packaged
systems (pre-packaged systems coming soon).

System with Inverter

Battery Basics
 Battery
 A device that stores electrical energy (chemical energy to electrical
energy and vice-versa)

 Capacity
 Amount of electrical energy the battery will contain
 State of Charge (SOC)

 Available battery capacity
 Depth of Discharge (DOD)

 Energy taken out of the battery
 Efficiency
 Energy out/Energy in (typically 80-85%)

Functions of a Battery
 Storage for the night

 Storage during cloudy weather
 Portable power
 Surge for starting motors

Global Cumulative PV Power

Global Annual PV Market

Cost Projections

Solar PV Market Outlook
Annual PV Market Outlook
$700 Rest of World
$600 South Asia

Sales in Billions
$500 China
$400 Central + South
$300 America
North America
$200 Europe
$100
$-
2007 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
by 2030 8.9% of Global Energy, 1,864 GW Production Capacity, 2,646 TWh Electricity

World's largest photovoltaic (PV) power plants (12
MW or larger)
Name of PV power plant Country DC GW·h Notes
Peak /year
Power
(MW)
Olmedilla Photovoltaic Park Spain 60 85 Completed September 2008
Puertollano Photovoltaic Park Spain 50 2008
Moura photovoltaic power station Portugal 46 93 Completed December 2008
Waldpolenz Solar Park Germany 40 40 550,000 First Solar thin-film CdTe
modules. Completed Dec 2008
Arnedo Solar Plant Spain 34 Completed October 2008
Merida/Don Alvaro Solar Park Spain 30 Completed September 2008
17 more Spain Avg 20
2 more Korea Avg 20
Koethen Germany 14.75 13 200,000 First Solar thin-film CdTe
modules. Completed Dec 2008

40-MW PV Array installed at, Germany

PV vs. Thermal

Thank you

Trough systems

Trough systems

Solar Power Generation
The Idea of Solar

Driven ORC

Trough systems

Trough systems

Dish/Engine Systems
 The cost for such prototype

unit (25 kW) is about
$150,000. Once in
production the cost could
be reduced to less than
$50,000 each, which would
make the cost of electricity
competitive with
conventional fuel
technologies.

Dish/Engine Systems

Dish/Engine Receiver

Dish/Engine Plant

Stirling engine

Solar Power Towers

Solar Power Towers

Solar Power Towers

Solar Power Towers


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Overview of High Temperature

Solar Power Production

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

 Electric power generation.

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

 1st Germany 3.8 GW

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Example: Water splitting: 2H2O → 2H2 + O2

Renewable Energy Resources 18

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Net Effect H2O H2 + ½ O 2

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources 24

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

 Solid state device that converts incident solar

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

2. Electrons (negatively charged)

3. An array of solar cells

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

 Single-crystal or Mono-crystalline Silicon

 Polycrystalline or Multi-crystalline Silicon

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

 Less expensive to make

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

 Off-grid stand alone systems operate independent of the

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

energy and vice-versa)

 State of Charge (SOC)

 Depth of Discharge (DOD)

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy

 Storage for the night

Renewable Energy Resources Solar Energy