Question

Describe two concentrated solar power systems, how they work, and their potential for providing power.

Short answer

A Parabolic Trough Collector works by focusing sunlight onto a line where a fluid is heated and used for power generation. Its efficiency varies but is widely used for utility-scale applications. A Solar Power Tower uses many mirrors to focus sunlight onto a central receiver where a fluid is heated for power generation. It offers higher temperatures and efficiency, making it increasingly competitive for utility-scale solar power generation.

Step-by-step solution

Parabolic Trough Collector

A Parabolic Trough Collector is a type of solar thermal collector that is straight in one dimension and curved as a parabola in the other two, lined with a polished metal mirror. Sunlight which enters the mirror parallel to its plane of symmetry is focused along a line, where the heat energy is collected by a fluid flowing in a pipe. The heated fluid can be used for various applications like heating or power generation.

Potential of Parabolic Trough Collector

Parabolic Trough Collectors capture about 60-80% of direct solar radiation and convert it to heat, but efficiency may vary based on materials and designs. They are widely used for utility-scale applications and are currently the most proven solar thermal electric technology.

Solar Power Tower

Solar Power Towers, also known as 'central tower' power plants or 'Heliostat' mirror plants, operate on the principle of concentrating solar energy by using a large number of flat, movable mirrors (heliostats) to focus all the sunlight onto a single receiver situated on top of a tower in the center of the mirror field. The heated fluid is then used for power generation.

Potential of Solar Power Tower

Solar power towers have the potential to achieve much higher temperatures and greater efficiency than parabolic trough systems, thanks to more sophisticated designs and the use of advanced materials. They are expected to become increasingly competitive for utility-scale solar power generation.