Solar diesel thermal energy storage power generation

What is thermal energy storage?

The thermal energy storage is employed to reduce the effect of diurnal and seasonal variations in solar radiation on the performance of the solar thermal plant. Additionally, thermal energy storage increases the dispatchability of a solar thermal power generation system.

What is concentrated solar thermal power generation?

Concentrated solar thermal power generation is becoming a very attractive renewable energy production system among all the different renewable options, as it has have a better potential for dispatchability. This dispatchability is inevitably linked with an efficient and cost-effective thermal storage system.

What is solar thermal power generation?

Harnessing solar energy for electric power generation is one of the growing technologies which provide a sustainable solution to the severe environmental issues such as climate change, global warming, and pollution. This chapter deals with the solar thermal power generation based on the line and point focussing solar concentrators.

Which thermodynamic cycle is used for solar thermal power generation?

Rankine, Brayton, and Stirling cycle are commonly used thermodynamic cycles for solar thermal power generation. The integration of thermal energy storage and hybridization of solar thermal energy systems with conventional power generation systems improves the performance and dispatchability of the solar thermal systems.

What are the different types of solar energy storage systems?

These include the two-tank direct system, two-tank indirect system, and single-tank thermocline system. Solar thermal energy in this system is stored in the same fluid used to collect it. The fluid is stored in two tanks—one at high temperature and the other at low temperature.

How to choose a thermal energy storage system?

A key issue in the design of a thermal energy storage system is its thermal capacity. However, selection of the appropriate system depends on many cost-benefit considerations, technical criteria and environmental criteria.