Microturbines for solar power
The European Commission has recognised the potential role of concentrated solar power (CSP) in Europe's low-carbon energy goals, but also acknowledged the challenges associated with this technology. Challenges such as efficient use of solar energy (dispatchability), heat exchanger selection and component optimisation are being addressed in the EU-funded project 'Optimised microturbine solar power system' (OMSOP). Project partners are combining state-of-the-art CSP systems with micro gas turbine technology to produce electricity. Stirling engines — one of the hitherto common heat exchanger technologies for converting thermal to mechanical energy — are interwoven with high costs, complexity and poor reliability. The system will be modular and produce electricity in the range of 3 to 10 kW. For larger energy needs, the system units can be stacked by virtue of their modular nature. Furthermore, it can be integrated with medium- and long-term energy storage and/or co-firing with conventional fuels. The latter differentiates the system over other forms of small-scale renewable production as dispatchable generation is essential to increase the renewable share. OMSOP is using the parabolic dish as concentrator technology, and is working on reducing its weight, improving the tracking system and increasing the concentration ratio. A receiver suitable for this application will also be optimised. Work is progressing regarding the development of the receiver, concentrator and micro gas turbine. Project partners found that a thin glass with reflectance over 90 % is the best compromise between the concentrator performance and durability. Work has also been carried out on optimising the dish shape and the automatic tracking system. Preparations are underway for installing the dish. Sub-models of the system demonstration components have been integrated in the overall system. Furthermore, a preliminary cost analysis of the system components has been performed. Once completed, the system should outperform, in terms of reliability, similar small-scale systems based on Stirling engines. OMSOP is significantly contributing to the EU commitment to meet 20 % of energy demands with renewable energy resources and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
Keywords
Microturbines, solar power, electricity, micro gas turbine, concentrated solar power
