Objective
The main objective of this project is to significantly reduce costs of concentrated solar power, in order to pave the way for its deserved competitiveness on the power market. Specifically, the solar-to-electric conversion efficiency of the plant will be improved by increased receiver operating temperatures as well as an innovative power cycle configuration also providing advantages regarding plant operation. Additionally, improved control methodologies based on dynamic multi-aiming-point strategies for heliostats will further enhance efficiency. Besides the improvement of the plants efficiency and operation, also the construction and operational costs will be minimized via mass production of heliostats and smart heliostat calibration systems.
The global objective of this project is to increase plant efficiencies and reduce levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) by developing all relevant components that allow implementing an innovative plant configuration. This plant configuration is based on a multi-tower decoupled advanced solar combined cycle approach that not only increases cycle efficiencies but also avoids frequent transients and inefficient partial loads, thus maximizing overall efficiency, reliability as well as dispatchability, all of which are important factors directly related to cost competitiveness on the power market. The core topic of the project, the innovative solar receiver, will be an open volumetric receiver allowing operating temperatures beyond 1200 ºC, providing the absorbed solar heat to the pressurized air circuit of the Brayton cycle via a network of fixed bed regenerative heat exchangers working in alternating modes (non-pressurized heating period, pressurized cooling period).
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineeringelectric energy
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsfluid dynamics
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineeringpower engineeringelectric power transmission
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energysolar energysolar thermal
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energysolar energyconcentrated solar power
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.3.3. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy Main Programme
- H2020-EU.3.3.2.4. - Develop geothermal, hydro, marine and other renewable energy options
- H2020-EU.3.3.2.2. - Develop efficient, reliable and cost-competitive solar energy systems
- H2020-EU.3.3.2.1. - Develop the full potential of wind energy
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
31621 Sarriguren
Spain
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Participants (15)
20600 Eibar Guipuzcoa
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28040 MADRID
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80686 Munchen
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PO12 2DG Gosport
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
75015 PARIS 15
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96528 FRANKENBLIK OT RAUENSTEIN
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Participation ended
2605 Sonceboz Sombeval
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59302 OELDE
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50678 KOLN
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Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
33203 GIJON
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Participation ended
UB7 8HZ WEST DRAYTON
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75008 Paris
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1050 Bruxelles / Brussel
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3604 THUN
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
07629 HERMSDORF
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