Desing of a utility scale solar thermal tower system based on particle receivers and fluidized bed technology

Abstract

Paper presented to the 3rd Southern African Solar Energy Conference, South Africa, 11-13 May, 2015.Particles as primary heat transfer material enable dispatch able thermal solar electricity plants with higher storage temperatures and thus higher steam temperatures/pressures of the power cycle can be reached; leading to higher plant efficiencies and lower costs. A 136 MWel dispatch able solar thermal electricity plant with Silicon Carbide as primary heat transfer material and with a storage capacity of 1360 MWhel is presented. Fluidization technique is applied for the receiver and the heat-exchangers. The key technologies are discussed as well as the challenges in conveying/storing hot bulks and finding an efficient plant layout. The plant design is discussed showing the huge potential of this next generation STE-technology.