In the push toward cleaner and more efficient energy, concentrated solar power (CSP) systems have emerged as a promising contender. But their potential has been limited by the need for innovative, cost-effective solutions to convert solar heat into electricity.
We’re thrilled to announce a groundbreaking publication by Teesside University, one of our partners, presented at the ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Turbo Expo 2024 (Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition).
This work unveils an innovative approach to optimizing power cycles for CSP systems, driving advancements in efficiency and sustainability.
A recent study introduces an innovative approach to improving power cycles for concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, a key technology in the renewable energy landscape. This research focuses on optimizing the performance of systems that use CO₂-based mixtures as working fluids, offering significant advancements in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to various operating conditions.
Traditionally, CSP systems rely on converting solar heat into electricity through power cycles. This study enhances that process by developing a simultaneous optimization strategy. It considers the design of the power cycle, the selection of chemical additives (dopants), and the specific composition of the CO₂-based working fluids. By analyzing these factors together, the researchers aim to maximize system efficiency while reducing costs.
The study tests these innovations under realistic scenarios, including two operating temperature ranges: 550°C, typical of current CSP systems, and a higher 700°C for advanced designs. It also accounts for ambient temperatures of 30°C, 35°C, and 40°C, reflecting the diverse environments where CSP systems operate.
One of the key breakthroughs is the use of binary mixtures of CO₂ combined with chemical dopants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) or acetonitrile (C₂H₃N). These additives enhance the thermodynamic properties of the working fluid, allowing the system to perform more effectively under varying conditions. The research team employed advanced modeling techniques to evaluate these mixtures, ensuring precise predictions of their performance.
Optimization in this context focuses on two main objectives: maximizing thermal efficiency (the amount of solar energy converted into electricity) and improving specific work (the energy produced per unit of working fluid). These improvements reduce the size and cost of system components, like power blocks and thermal energy storage (TES), making CSP systems more economically viable.
