Introduction to CSP Systems und performance

Abstract

Concentrated solar power (CSP) Systems are characterized by focusing solar Radiation with the help of reflectors onto a Receiver, where the Radiation is absorbed and trasferred to heat. A heat Transfer fluid (HFT) carries the heat from the Receiver to a heat angine, i.e., a steam or gas tubine, connected to an electrical power Generator. Instead of prducing electrictiy, the heated HTF can also be used to drive a thermochemical process to produce, e.g., hydrogen, syngas, or even fertilizer. Using CSP Technology for electrity production is the most mature application, counting in 2016 with a market size of approx. 5 GW installed power. Therefore, this book focuses only on concentrated solar energy for electricity production. Since the key for further deployment of the technology is the Performance of Commercial Systems, this book has the Goal to present all important infomration about the methods, instruments, and infrastructures to assess the performance of commercial CSP components and plants.