An overview is presented of a central receiver solar thermal electric system presently being developed. The design is distinct in that it uses (1) centrally supported, low-cost heliostats, (2) an external single pass-to-superheat receiver, and (3) a sensible heat, thermocline-type thermal storage. In its commercial version, the system is capable of producing 100 MWe and is designed to accommodate peak to intermediate plant operational modes. The principal working medium is water--steam. The system is designed for a 30-year operational life with a 90% plant availability goal. The definition of a 10-MWe Pilot Plant is also presented. The purpose of the Pilot Plant is to operate a system which demonstrates technical feasibility and provides an indication of system economics for the commercial-size system. (ERA citation 04:018358)
Central Receiver Solar Thermal Power System
1978
18 pages
Report
No indication
English