Concentrating Solar Power Technology : Principles, Developments and Applications

This second edition of Concentrating Solar Power Technology edited by Keith Lovegrove and Wes Stein presents a fully updated comprehensive review of the latest technologies and knowledge, from the fundamental science to systems design, development, and applications. Part one introduces the fundamental principles of CSP systems, including site selection and feasibility analysis, alongside socio-economic and environmental assessments. Part two focuses on technologies including linear Fresnel reflector technology, parabolic-trough, central tower, and parabolic dish CSP systems, and concentrating photovoltaic systems. Thermal energy storage, hybridization with fossil fuel power plants, and the long-term market potential of CSP technology are also explored. Part three goes on to discuss optimization, improvements, and applications, such as absorber materials for solar thermal receivers, design optimization through integrated techno-economic modelling, and heliostat size optimization.With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Concentrating Solar Power Technology, Second Edition is an essential guide for all those involved or interested in the design, production, development, optimization, and application of CSP technology, including renewable energy engineers and consultants, environmental governmental departments, solar thermal equipment manufacturers, researchers, and academics.

• Provides a comprehensive review of concentrating solar power (CSP) technology, from the fundamental science to systems design, development and applications
• Reviews fundamental principles of CSP systems, including site selection and feasibility analysis and socio-economic and environmental assessments
• Includes an overview of the key technologies of parabolic-trough, central tower linear Fresnel reflector, and parabolic dish CSP systems, and concentrating photovoltaic systems

Dr. Keith Lovegrove is the managing director of ITP Thermal Pty Ltd, which leads work on solar thermal and hydrogen energy systems within the ITP Energised group of companies. He has over 30 years of experience in renewable energy combined with 15 years of teaching experience in undergraduate and postgraduate courses in energy systems and systems engineering. He was previously the leader of the Solar Thermal Group at the Australian National University. In that role, he was the lead inventor and design and construction team leader of the 500m2 Generation II Big Dish solar concentrator, recognized with a Light Weight Structures Association of Australia, 2009 design award and a 2011 citation from the Institute of Engineers Australia ACT Engineering Excellence awards. Keith is currently a member of the University of Adelaide’s Centre for Energy Technology advisory board, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s Advisory Panel, the Australian Solar Thermal Energy Association board, and chair of the Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute steering committee.

Wes Stein is a Chief Research Scientist for Solar Technologies at CSIRO. He has been active in CSP research for over 25 years and was instrumental in establishing the National Solar Energy Centre at CSIRO, including building Australia’s first solar tower. He is also a Chief Technologist for the Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute where he leads the development of strategies and technologies for the next generation of CSP. Prior to CSIRO, he worked in the power industry for 20 years in power station operation and design, as well as investigating and developing new energy technologies for utilities. Wes represents Australia on the International Energy Agency’s Solar PACES Executive Committee, the predominant CSP international body.