TECHNOLOGY IMPACT

The approach proposed in the project is a new design of small-scale CSP plants. The project prepares the next generation of small-scale CSP plants with high performance combined cycle and flexible generation of renewable electricity with firm capacity. The proposed cycle features a reduced water requirement compared to steam Rankine cycle. The optical efficiency of small solar tower system is higher than that of any other solar field. Combined with the potential high conversion efficiency of the thermodynamic cycle, the resulting efficiency allows for additional reduction of the size of solar field. Micro gas-turbines and small ORCs have proven their reliability in the long-term. The technology developed in the project offers an extended range of designs by varying the size of the components, each design being optimized for a specific need (power generation, cogeneration, heating/cooling, water desalination).