Solar Thermal Power Plant – Working Principle

In this article we will learn about Solar Thermal Power Plant – Working Principle.

Solar thermal power plant

There are two types of solar thermal power plants.

i. Solar distributed collector power plants.
ii. Solar central receiver power plants.

1. Solar distributed collector power plants

In these power stations, collectors are used. Requires more terrain. Collectors belong to the following types.

1. Parabolic trough units with line focus.
li. Paraboloidal dishes with center focus.

Parabolic trough collectors are widely selected. This is because their production cost is low and a single platform is sufficient to follow the trail of sunlight. Paraboloid collectors are more expensive and follow the sunlight on two platforms.

For distributed collector systems, paraboloid collectors are not selected. Flat plate collectors are not suitable. Because their efficiency and operating temperature are low.

The main components of a solar distributed collector power plant are shown. Large parabolic collectors are used to collect solar energy. This solar energy is used to heat a fluid. Fluid is usually water. This thermal energy is finally The feed in the boiler is converted to water.

Boilers feed water is converted into steam. The steam is then used to power the Prime mover connected to the electric generator. Then, the ‘generator produces electricity. The steam leaving the turbine is pumped through the condenser.

The steam leaving the condenser is cooled and returned to the boiler for reuse. The heat in the cold water in the condenser can be used for various other purposes.