Harvesting energy from the sun through high-temperature concentrating solar thermal technologies

Concentrating solar thermal (CST) technologies normally use mirrors to concentrate the direct solar irradiation on a receiver where the radiative energy is converted into heat which is then used for power generation via power cycles, industrial thermal process, thermal-driven water desalination, and sustainable fuel production through thermochemical reactions. Unlike photovoltaic technologies, they can efficiently use the full spectrum of solar radiation, as well as be easily integrated with relatively cheap thermal storage facilities or sustainable fuel based hybrid subsystems to provide stable power or heat outputs. To make a further reduction in the costs of electricity, industrial process heat, and sustainable fuel of CST technologies, it is of great importance to enhance the working temperature and efficiency of the solar receivers or reactors.

This presentation will first introduce the state of art of CST technologies and their applications. Then, the presentation will focus on high-temperature CST technologies, including advanced high-temperature solar receiver technologies, materials, and new design methodologies. Finally, the presentation will also introduce the contributions from KTH solar group during the past 10 years, including new CST systems, new solar receiver concepts, new material solutions, new design methodologies, and testing facilities.