Francisco J. Collado

Bio: Francisco J. Collado is an academic researcher from University of Zaragoza. The author has contributed to research in topics: Heliostat & Boiling. The author has an hindex of 11, co-authored 28 publications receiving 878 citations.

A review of optimized design layouts for solar power tower plants with campo code

Abstract: Solar power tower (SPT) systems are viewed as one of the most promising technologies for producing solar electricity, in which direct solar radiation is reflected and concentrated by a field of giant mirrors (heliostats) onto a receiver placed at the top of a tower. However, the optimized design of a heliostat field is a rather complex problem because the annual performance of a heliostat is a function of not only the instants of time considered and its own position, but also the relative location of neighbouring heliostats, which cause shadows and blockings. A variety of procedures may be found in the open literature, although there is great lack of information on the details of an optimized layout. This review shows that these complex problems have partially led to the expansion of parabolic trough technologies in USA and Spain in spite of their lower thermodynamic efficiencies compared with solar tower power. As a modest support of SPT systems, the authors have presented elsewhere the abilities of a new code called campo for fast and accurate calculations of the shadowing and blocking factor for each and every heliostat. This work explores a review of the optimized heliostat field layouts yielded by campo. Campo commences the optimization search based on the densest layout, with the worst shadowing and blocking factor, but with good values for the other optical factors, and then progresses towards gradually expanded distributions. The search for maximum annual energy through campo results in a clear, steady and reproducible procedure. Finally, as an example of this new procedure, some options of optimized heliostat field layouts are reviewed using as input parameters the scarce open literature data on Gemasolar, the first solar power tower commercial plant with molten salt storage in the world.

A review of studies on central receiver solar thermal power plants

Abstract: The use of central receiver system (CRS) for electricity production promises to be one of the most viable options to replace fossil fuel power plants. Indeed, research and development activities on its basic subsystems have been booming rapidly since 1980s. This paper reviews the most important studies on the major components of central receiver solar thermal power plants including the heliostat field, the solar receiver and the power conversion system. After an overview of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technology, current status and applications of the CRSs are highlighted. Next, a detailed literature survey of existing design comprising optical, thermal and thermodynamic analysis, and techniques used to assess components have been arranged. This is followed by experimental investigations in which design concepts are established. The last section contains recent subsequent improvement of such key components as heliostat, receiver and hybrid solar gas turbine that are boosting in many R&D activities merging international collaboration during the past 30 years.

Innovation in Concentrated Solar Power

Abstract: This work focuses on innovation in CSP technologies over the last decade. A multitude of advancements has been developed during this period, as the topic of concentrated solar power is becoming more mainstream. Improvements have been made in reflector and collector design and materials, heat absorption and transport, power production and thermal storage. Many applications that can be integrated with CSP regimes to conserve (and sometimes produce) electricity have been suggested and implemented, keeping in mind the environmental benefits granted by limited fossil fuel usage.

State-of-the-art of solar thermal power plants—A review

Abstract: The solar thermal power plant is one of the promising renewable energy options to substitute the increasing demand of conventional energy The cost per kW of solar power is higher and the overall efficiency of the system is lower In the present communication, a comprehensive literature review on the scenario of solar thermal power plants and its up-to-date technologies all over the world is presented Results of the technical and economical feasibility studies by researchers are reported in brief for further reference It is observed that the solar thermal power plants have come out of the experimental stage to commercial applications Case studies of typical 50 MW solar thermal power plants in the Indian climatic conditions at locations such as Jodhpur and Delhi is highlighted with the help of techno-economic model Different solar concentrator technologies (parabolic trough, parabolic dish and central power tower) for solar thermal power plants are compared economically It has been found that the parabolic dish concentrating solar Stirling engine power plant generate electricity at a lower unit cost than the other two solar technologies considering 30 years lifespan and 10% interest rate on investment