Concentrating Solar Power Systems: a review of their applicability in Colombia

Abstract

This paper evaluates the applicability of centralized concentrating solar power systems in Colombia. For this purpose, these systems have been classified into four subsystems: parabolic trough, linear Fresnel, parabolic dish and tower. Each is explored for its suitability by meeting a set of six attributes. A bibliometric analysis process was developed using the Scopus database and the VOSviewer software to present the potential of each subsystem evaluated through an evaluation matrix. The analysis of the subsystems and attributes was carried out through the formal concept analysis methodology 8FCA). To facilitate data processing, the open access software concept Explorer is implemented. The analysis shows that parabolic trough technology is more widely used worldwide than the other three technologies evaluated, and its maturity makes it possible to plan centralized and decentralized projects in developing countries. The bibliometric analysis integrated with the applied FCA methodology has proven to be useful for the evaluation of technological typologies and serves as an alternative to develop theoretical studies that group and link different options as a model to evaluate a deterministic set of attributes.