Concentrated Solar Energy.

Thermal power systems driven by concentrated solar energy provides the most efficient conversion to electricity from solar radiation. A maximized temperature difference between the high and low points in the cycle delivers the most power out of the energy available.

Solar Concentration

Radiation from the sun is reflected to a common point. A large area of solar rays is mirrored and focused on a very small collector. The energy density increases 1000 times to greatly increase the temperature of the target. Mirrors must continually move during the day as the sun travels across the sky.

Solar Collector

The concentrated energy of the sun enters a receiver in which there is a fluid to be heated. The temperature rise of the fluid will depend on how much mirrored area is directed to the collector, how fast the fluid flows through the collector and how much energy escapes the collector without being absorbed.

Heat Engine   

The fluid that is heated is used within a heat engine to generate electricity. Usually a known technology is adapted to accept the solar energy in place of fossil fuel. Solar systems may use Steam, Stirling, Brayton – and now the Hybrid Brayton Cycle.

Power Output 

Electricity generated is conditioned to match the voltage, frequency and phase then added to the power grid. Power from large systems needs to be delivered to urban centers where the consumer needs exists.

Heat Rejection

Only a small portion of the energy received is delivered as electricity. The rest must be given off as unused heat. Most solar power systems are air cooled. When the outside temperature rises, less heat will be given off and the efficiency goes down. Heat rejected by traditional solar systems is wasted.