Solar Thermal Power Plants

Solar heat can be used for electricity production by means of coupling a collector technology with an energy conversion cycle. In the chapter, at first the principles of the thermal cyclic process are elaborated, and then different ideal single and two-phase cyclic processes are discussed in terms of thermodynamics, plant arrangement as well as optimization options and limitations. In order to categorize and analyse power plants technically and economically rating parameters are used, which are introduced in a next subchapter. Economic performance and competitiveness are essential for all electricity generation systems; therefore, cost structures of thermal solar power plants are elaborated and options for optimization are indicated. Complete solar thermal power station concepts, divided into plants based on non-concentrating and concentrating fields, are presented further with respect to their architecture, operational aspects as well as their prospects and limitations. Also, the aspects for hybridisation and cogeneration are addressed.