12.2 Emerging CSP technologies and innovations

Emerging CSP technologies are pushing the boundaries of solar power. From supercritical CO2 cycles to solar-to-fuel conversion, these innovations promise higher efficiency and new applications for concentrated solar energy.

Advanced components like high-temperature receivers and particle-based systems are revolutionizing CSP plants. Meanwhile, AI-driven optimization and modular designs are making solar thermal power more flexible and cost-effective than ever before.

Advanced Power Cycles and Processes

Supercritical CO2 Power Cycles

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• Supercritical CO2 power cycles operate above the critical point of carbon dioxide (73.8 bar and 31.1°C)
• Offer higher thermal efficiency compared to traditional steam Rankine cycles
• Compact turbomachinery reduces overall plant footprint and capital costs
• Working fluid remains in a single phase throughout the cycle, simplifying system design
• Challenges include developing high-temperature, high-pressure components (seals, bearings)
• Potential applications extend beyond CSP to nuclear and fossil fuel power plants

Solar-to-Fuel Technologies

• Direct conversion of solar energy into chemical fuels (hydrogen, syngas)
• Thermochemical water-splitting uses high-temperature heat to produce hydrogen
• Solar thermochemical hydrogen production achieves higher efficiencies than electrolysis
• Metal oxide redox cycles (cerium oxide, zinc oxide) show promise for large-scale implementation
• Artificial photosynthesis mimics natural processes to produce hydrocarbons from CO2 and water
• Integration with existing infrastructure allows for easier adoption and energy storage

Solar Thermochemical Processes

• Utilize concentrated solar energy to drive high-temperature chemical reactions
• Applications include materials processing, waste treatment, and chemical production
• Solar gasification of biomass or coal produces syngas for further processing
• Thermochemical energy storage systems use reversible chemical reactions (calcium carbonate decomposition)
• Solar-driven CO2 capture and conversion technologies address climate change concerns
• Challenges include developing durable materials for harsh operating conditions

High-Temperature Components

Advanced Receiver Technologies

• High-temperature receivers operate at temperatures exceeding 700°C
• Cavity receivers reduce convective and radiative heat losses
• Volumetric air receivers use porous materials to absorb solar radiation directly into the working fluid
• Liquid metal receivers (sodium, lead-bismuth) offer excellent heat transfer properties
• Ceramic receivers withstand extreme temperatures and thermal shocks
• Integration of selective coatings improves absorption and reduces thermal losses

Particle-Based Systems

• Particle-based receivers use solid particles as both heat transfer medium and storage material
• Direct absorption receivers expose falling particles directly to concentrated sunlight
• Indirect particle heating systems use tubes or plates to transfer heat to particles
• Fluidized bed receivers enhance heat transfer through particle suspension
• Particle-based storage systems offer high energy density and long-duration storage capabilities
• Challenges include particle attrition, flow control, and heat exchanger design for particle-to-working fluid transfer

Advanced Thermal Energy Storage Materials

• Phase change materials (PCMs) store latent heat during melting/solidification processes
• Encapsulated PCMs improve heat transfer and prevent leakage
• Thermochemical storage materials utilize reversible chemical reactions for high-density energy storage
• Metal alloys (aluminum-silicon) offer high thermal conductivity and energy density
• Nanostructured materials enhance thermal properties of existing storage media
• Composite materials combine benefits of multiple storage mechanisms (sensible, latent, thermochemical)

System Optimization and Design

Innovative Heliostat Designs

• Autonomous heliostats with integrated controllers reduce wiring and installation costs
• Ganged heliostat systems allow multiple mirrors to move together, simplifying control
• Fabric-based reflectors reduce weight and material costs compared to glass mirrors
• Shape-morphing heliostats adjust curvature to optimize focusing throughout the day
• Micro-heliostats enable modular designs and reduce wind loads on individual units
• Advanced cleaning systems (electrostatic, robotic) maintain reflector performance with minimal water use

AI-Driven Plant Optimization

• Machine learning algorithms predict solar resource availability and optimize plant operations
• Neural networks improve heliostat aim point strategies for uniform flux distribution
• Reinforcement learning techniques optimize thermal storage dispatch and grid integration
• Computer vision systems monitor heliostat field performance and identify maintenance needs
• Digital twin technology enables real-time simulation and optimization of plant components
• Predictive maintenance algorithms reduce downtime and extend equipment lifetimes

Modular CSP Systems

• Standardized, factory-assembled components reduce on-site construction time and costs
• Scalable designs allow for incremental capacity additions and easier financing
• Containerized power blocks enable rapid deployment in remote locations
• Hybrid systems integrate CSP with photovoltaics or other renewable technologies
• Small-scale CSP units (1-10 MW) target industrial process heat and off-grid applications
• Modular thermal storage systems allow for flexible integration with various heat sources and loads