Solar power invades arid regions
CSP that uses mirrors to focus the Sun's rays converts the light energy to heat energy and uses it to drive a turbine to generate electrical power. A condenser is then used to convert the water back to a liquid, which is then pumped back to the boiler. The condenser takes water to continuously remain cool. However, water needs to be replaced because it evaporates. This increases the operating costs of CSP plants in arid regions. Within MACCSOL (The development and verification of a novel modular air cooled condenser for enhanced concentrated solar power generation), researchers successfully developed a modular air-cooled condenser (MACC) that is designed to maintain optimum condenser pressure and temperature irrespective of ambient conditions. It is equipped with sensors that measure these conditions (temperature, ambient wind and fan flow rate) and speed-controllable fans that respond to data from the sensors. This keeps the condenser unit cool and efficient. Experimentation allowed the team to develop fan speed control algorithms that can lead to increases of up to 4 % in power plant efficiency compared to existing dry-cooled condenser technology. Because the MACC is modular in design, installation and maintenance costs are also significantly reduced. The MACC prototype was successfully installed in a 1.1 MWe CSP central power tower. Measurements performed verified accuracy of the theoretical models and anticipated benefits of the MACC technology. While the condenser is specifically designed for solar energy regions, it can also enhance the performance of coal, gas and fossil fuel steam plants where the condenser must be air cooled. Harnessing renewable forms of energy such as that from the Sun or wind has become a key global priority in an effort to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and protect the environment. With CSP expected to contribute a large part toward the EU's goal to get 20 % of its energy from renewable energy by 2020, MACCSOL technology and benefits can make a difference. The development of such novel dry-cooling solutions should enable the massive deployment of CSP plants in Mediterranean sunlight-rich regions, North Africa's deserts and the Middle East.
