Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2010

Publisher

U.S. Department of Energy

First page number:

1

Last page number:

35

Abstract

This report discusses potential methods to reduce water consumption associated with CSP. Four main concentrating solar power technologies are described in this report: parabolic troughs, linear Fresnel, power towers, and dish/engine. Parabolic troughs are the most commercially available technology. Linear Fresnel and power tower technologies are presently being planned as commercial plants, but none have yet been built in the U.S. The first three of these technologies use the heat collected from the sun to power conventional Rankine steam cycles, similar to those used for coal and nuclear plants. Steam cycle power plants require cooling to function (cooling is needed to condense the steam and complete the cycle). This cooling can be provided via water cooling, air cooling or a combination. Dish/engine systems use sunlight to power a small engine at the focal point. Stirling cycle engines using hydrogen as the working fluid are typically employed in dish/engine systems. These are air-cooled and only require water for mirror washing.

Disciplines

Natural Resources and Conservation | Oil, Gas, and Energy | Technology and Innovation

Language

English

Keywords

Concentrating solar power plants (CSP); Cooling methods; Dish/engine systems; Rankine steam cycles; Solar power technologies; Stirling cycle engines; Water conservation

Comments

Report to Congress

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