Concentrating Solar Power Technology: Principles, Developments and Applications (Woodhead Publishing Series in Energy)

Concentrating solar power (CSP) technology is poised to take its place as one of the major contributors to the future clean energy mix. Using straightforward manufacturing processes, CSP technology capitalises on conventional power generation cycles, whilst cost effectively matching supply and demand though the integration of thermal energy storage. Concentrating solar power technology provides a comprehensive review of this exciting technology, from the fundamental science to systems design, development and applications.

Part one introduces fundamental principles of concentrating solar power systems. Site selection and feasibility analysis are discussed, alongside socio-economic and environmental assessments. Part two focuses on technologies including linear Fresnel reflector technology, parabolic-trough, central tower and parabolic dish concentrating solar power systems, and concentrating photovoltaic systems. Thermal energy storage, hybridization with fossil fuel power plants and the long-term market potential of CSP technology are explored. Part three goes on to discuss optimisation, improvements and applications. Topics discussed include absorber materials for solar thermal receivers, design optimisation through integrated techno-economic modelling, heliostat size optimisation, heat flux and temperature measurement technologies, concentrating solar heating and cooling for industrial processes, and solar fuels and industrial solar chemistry.

With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Concentrating solar power technology is an essential guide for all those involved or interested in the design, production, development, optimisation 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 concentrating solar power systems, including site selection and feasibility analysis and socio-economic and environmental assessments
• Provides an overview of technologies such as linear Fresnel reflector technology, parabolic-trough, central tower and parabolic dish concentrating solar power 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.