New approach of a conceptual solar thermal steam generator and its design &optimization

Abstract

Concepts for solar thermal power systems are based on parabolic trough, tower or parabolic disks either heating molten salts, mineral oil, and air or generating steam. In this research work we propose, a new design approach of a solar steam generator/boiler. We have used a design tool here for optimization of system efficiency considering different subsystem efficiency. This concept comes from the conventional thermal power plants boiler, with the difference that the heat comes from mirrors that concentrate the solar radiation on its external absorbing side at open air, instead of fuel flames heating its internal tube grid. The results of our conceptual design show how much plant performance is achievable, comparable with the most advanced solar concepts. From analysis of this innovative solar boiler applied to electricity production, it is found that overall efficiency of the conversion from direct solar irradiation energy to electricity is above 20%, which is comparable to the value of parabolic trough and central tower technologies. With best of our knowledge, no one has reported this kind of work.