Cristina Prieto

Bio: Cristina Prieto is an academic researcher from University of Seville. The author has contributed to research in topics: Thermal energy storage & Concentrated solar power. The author has an hindex of 19, co-authored 50 publications receiving 1192 citations.

Review of commercial thermal energy storage in concentrated solar power plants: Steam vs. molten salts

Abstract: Thermal energy storage systems are key components of concentrating solar power plants in order to offer energy dispatchability to adapt the electricity power production to the curve demand. This paper presents a review of the current commercial thermal energy storage systems used in solar thermal power plants: steam accumulators and molten salts. It describes the mentioned storage concepts and the results of their economic evaluation. The economic value of the TES system is assessed by the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) calculation, an economic performance metric commonly used in power generation in order to compare cost of electricity among different power generation sources. Lots of studies have been done in the past to compare the LCOE of a complete solar thermal power plant using thermal energy storage systems. However, no specific studies related to the thermal energy storage levelized cost of electricity itself were done. The objective of this study is focused in the comparison of the TES LCOE where calculations are done for a 100 MW Rankine cycle with different plant configuration and for different storage sizes ranging from 1 to 9 h of equivalent full capacity operation.

Review of technology: Thermochemical energy storage for concentrated solar power plants

Abstract: To be able to extend the operation of a solar power plant (CSP) up to 15 h, thermal energy storage (TES) is necessary. But TES also provides more versatility to the plant and makes its reliance during operation hours more dependable. On the other hand, due to the different CSP configurations, a broad spectrum of storage technologies, materials and methods is needed. Sensible and latent heat storage are known technologies in CSP, but thermochemical storage (TCS) is still very much at laboratory level. Nevertheless, TCS has de advantage of nearly no losses during storage and very good volumetric energy density. This review summarizes and compares the different TCS that are today being investigated. Those systems are based in three redox reactions, sulfur-based cycles, metal oxide reduction–oxidation cycles, and perovskite-type hydrogen production, and metal oxide non-redox cycles due to their similarity. This review shows that all these cycles are promising, but none of them seems to have all the characteristics necessary to become the only one storage system for CSP. The main conclusion of the review is that the calcium carbonate is the cycle with most experimentation behind it to infer that it could be viable and should thus be attempted at a research plant scale once a reactivation cycle can be designed; and the manganese oxide cycle, while less developed, is fundamental enough to be a suitable application for desert climates over the rest of the water-frugal or even water-avoiding cycles.

A comprehensive review of state-of-the-art concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies: current status and research trends

Abstract: Concentrating solar power (CSP) has received significant attention among researchers, power-producing companies and state policymakers for its bulk electricity generation capability, overcoming the intermittency of solar resources. The parabolic trough collector (PTC) and solar power tower (SPT) are the two dominant CSP systems that are either operational or in the construction stage. The USA and Spain are global leaders in CSP electricity generation, whereas developing countries such as China and India are emerging by aggressive investment. Each year, hundreds of articles have been published on CSP. However, there is a need to observe the overall research development of this field which is missing in the current body of literature. To bridge this gap, this study 1) provides a most up-to-date overview of the CSP technologies implemented across the globe, 2) reviews previously published review articles on this issue to highlight major findings and 3) analyzes future research trends in the CSP research. Text mining approach is utilized to analyze and visualize the scientific landscape of the research. Thermal energy storage, solar collector and policy-level analysis are found as core topics of discussion in the previous studies. With a holistic analysis, it is found that direct steam generation (DSG) is a promising innovation which is reviewed in this study. This paper provides a comprehensive outlook on the CSP technologies and its research which offers practical help to the future researchers who start to research on this topic.

Thermal energy storage systems for concentrated solar power plants

Abstract: Solar thermal energy, especially concentrated solar power (CSP), represents an increasingly attractive renewable energy source. However, one of the key factors that determine the development of this technology is the integration of efficient and cost effective thermal energy storage (TES) systems, so as to overcome CSP's intermittent character and to be more economically competitive. This paper presents a review on thermal energy storage systems installed in CSP plants. Various aspects are discussed including the state-of-the-art on CSP plants all over the world and the trend of development, different technologies of TES systems for high temperature applications (200–1000°C) with a focus on thermochemical heat storage, and storage concepts for their integration in CSP plants. TES systems are necessary options for more than 70% of new CSP plants. Sensible heat storage technology is the most used in CSP plants in operation, for their reliability, low cost, easy to implement and large experimental feedback available. Latent and thermochemical storage technologies have much higher energy density thus may have a bright foreground. New concepts for TES integration are also proposed, especially coupled technology for higher operating temperature and cascade TES of modularized storage units for intelligent temperature control. The key contributions of this review paper consist of a comprehensive survey of CSP plants, their TES systems, the ways to enhance the heat and/or mass transfers and different new concepts for the integration of TES systems.

Progress in concentrated solar power technology with parabolic trough collector system: A comprehensive review

Abstract: Advanced solar energy utilization technology requires high-grade energy to achieve the most efficient application with compact size and least capital investment recovery period Concentrated solar power (CSP) technology has the capability to meet thermal energy and electrical demands Benefits of using CSP technology with parabolic trough collector (PTC) system include promising cost-effective investment, mature technology, and ease of combining with fossil fuels or other renewable energy sources This review first covered the theoretical framework of CSP technology with PTC system Next, the detailed derivation process of the maximum theoretical concentration ratio of the PTC was initially given Multiple types of heat transfer fluids in tube receivers were reviewed to present the capability of application Moreover, recent developments on heat transfer enhancement methods for CSP technology with PTC system were highlighted As the rupture of glass covers was frequently observed during application, methods of thermal deformation restrain for tube receivers were reviewed as well Commercial CSP plants worldwide with PTC system were presented, including those that are in operation, under construction, and announced Finally, possible further developments of CSP plants with PTC system were outlined Besides, suggestions for future research and application guidance were also illustrated