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.

How to choose a solar thermal power plant?

Solar thermal power plants for electricity production include, at least, two main systems: the solar field and the power block. Regarding this last one, the particular thermodynamic cycle layout and the working fluid employed, have a decisive influence in the plant performance. In turn, this selection depends on the solar technology employed.

What is solar thermal plant?

Solar thermal plant is one of the most interesting applications of solar energy for power generation. The plant is composed mainly of a solar collector field and a power conversion system to convert thermal energy into electricity.

How do you determine the performance of a solar thermal power plant?

The performance of solar thermal power plants can be assessed by means of the power plant's capacity factor (CF), which is defined as the ratio of the annual produced electrical energy (AEP) to the maximum electrical output if the plant worked at full capacity during a given period (NCP).

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.

How do solar thermal power plants work?

Solar thermal power plants are composed of three processes: collection and conversion of solar radiation into heat, conversion of heat to electricity, and thermal energy storage to mitigate the transient effects of solar radiation on the performance of the system.