Solar thermal power at utility scale: fields of mirrors concentrate sunlight to heat a working fluid, and the resulting steam drives an ordinary turbine and generator. The three main forms are linear concentrating troughs, solar power towers and dish engine systems, and because the collected heat can be stored, a concentrating plant can keep generating after sunset, the ability that distinguishes it from photovoltaics.
Facts
Disputed
Invented YearAuguste Mouchout demonstrated the first solar steam engine using a parabolic trough in 1866; the first large commercial CSP plant, the 354 MW SEGS complex in California, began operating in 1984. Classification
MaturityTRL 7: System Prototype Demonstration in Operational Environment 1 Technology TypeSolar thermal conversion 2 Concentrated Solar Power
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Connections
Associated With
Source Renewable Energy World
Source United States Energy Information Administration Official Site
Solar water heaters and concentrated solar power both convert solar radiation directly to heat rather than electricity.
Concentrated solar power plants commonly integrate molten salt thermal energy storage to extend generation past sunset.
Developed By
Pioneered solar powered steam engines and parabolic solar concentrators, 1860s to 1870s.
Built the first large scale solar thermal power station, Maadi Egypt, 1913.
Uses Source
Source United States Energy Information Administration Official Site
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Concentrated solar power
Multiple utility-scale plants operating but not yet cost-competitive with PVView the Source 2. United States Energy Information Administration Official Site
US Energy Information AdministrationSolar explained, Solar thermal power plantsQuote, Solar explained, Solar thermal power plants
Solar thermal-electric power systems collect and concentrate sunlight to produce the high temperatures needed to generate electricity.
3. Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationHistoryQuote, History
In 1866, Auguste Mouchout used a parabolic trough to produce steam for the first solar steam engine.
Renewable Energy World
Clarion EventsAssociated With: Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, Ivanpah shutdown feature, next stepsQuote, Associated With: Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, Ivanpah shutdown feature, next steps
Unit 2 has a PPA with another major California utility, Southern California Edison, and is expected to remain in service.
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