What is concentrating solar energy (CSP)?

In solar thermal energy, all concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies use solar thermal energy from sunlight to make power. A solar field of mirrors concentrates the sun’s energy onto a receiver that traps the heat and stores it in thermal energy storage till needed to create steam to drive a turbine to produce electrical power.

How does CSP work?

CSP technology produces electricity by concentrating and harnessing solar thermal energy using mirrors. At a CSP installation, mirrors reflect the sun to a receiver that collects and stores the heat energy. That heat is used to power an engine or turbine that is connected to an electricity generator.

Why do we need a CSP system?

This enables CSP systems to be flexible, or dispatchable, options for providing clean, renewable energy. Several sensible thermal energy storage technologies have been tested and implemented since 1985.

What is a CSP trough?

Tower CSP (NOOR III) is seen here in the foreground while behind it, rows of parabolic troughs – the two Trough CSP plants (NOOR I and II) – can be seen further back. In solar thermal energy, all concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies use solar thermal energy from sunlight to make power.

How is solar energy used in a CSP plant?

In a CSP plant that includes storage, the solar energy is first used to heat molten salt or synthetic oil, which is stored providing thermal/heat energy at high temperature in insulated tanks. Later the hot molten salt (or oil) is used in a steam generator to produce steam to generate electricity by steam turbo generator as required.

What is CSP technology?

The CSP technology is a repetitive process that stores the heat energy produced and utilizes it when needed, especially during low sunlight, cloudy, or night hours. Currently, CSP plants in the USA are operated roughly for 1,815 megawatts (MW) and it is the 2nd country to have most CSP installations.