Chemie Ingenieur Technik, Vol.83, No.11, 1845-1852, 2011
Solar Thermal Power Plants - Key Elements for the DESERTEC Vision
Large and accurately bended mirror areas and huge heat storage containers are the most obvious components of a new power plant concept that is deployed rapidly particularly in desert areas. To make use of the high temperatures achieved requires a well-designed system to transfer, store and utilize the heat efficiently. The result is a power plant fueled by solar energy that harvest energy equivalent to 200-250 liters of oil per square meter of desert area. Incorporating heat storage and weather forecast information guarantee a predictable power production. Declining investments cost and large local shares of supply are considered to be the foundation for economic viability and wide acceptance in the society for this technology.