Animation of the principle of solar mirror power generation

What is concentrating solar power & how does it work?

Learn the basics about concentrating solar power and how this technology generates energy. What is concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) technology and how does it work? CSP technologies use mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto a receiver. The energy from the concentrated sunlight heats a high temperature fluid in the receiver.

How do solar thermal power systems work?

All solar thermal power systems have solar energy collectors with two main components: reflectors (mirrors) that capture and focus sunlight onto a receiver. In most types of systems, a heat-transfer fluid is heated and circulated in the receiver and used to produce steam.

How do solar reflectors work?

These modular reflectors focus the sun's energy onto elevated receivers, which consist of a system of tubes through which water flows. Power Tower: Power tower systems use a central receiver system, which allows for higher operating temperatures and thus greater efficiencies.

How is solar irradiation converted into electrical energy?

Solar irradiation is first converted into heat by the solar receiver with the efficiency and subsequently the heat is converted into mechanical energy by the heat engine with the efficiency , using Carnot's principle. The mechanical energy is then converted into electrical energy by a generator.

How do parabolic mirrors work?

(Supplied: Vast Solar) Parabolic mirrors, known as heliostats, track the Sun to ensure the beam of reflected light remains aimed at the receiver tower. The heat is first stored in liquid sodium metal at 565 degrees Celsius, then in molten salt at 550C, and finally as steam to drive a turbine.

How do solar power systems work?

The heat is then transported to a steam generator or engine where it is converted into electricity. There are three main types of con-centrating solar power systems: parabolic troughs, dish/engine sys-tems, and central-receiver systems.