Latest developments, assessments and research trends for next generation of concentrated solar power plants using liquid heat transfer fluids

Abstract

Solar thermal technologies for power generation have become cost-effective, efficient, flexible, and play aprominent role in achieving low-carbon energy systems. Concentrated solar power is the main solar technologyfor large-scale power generation and can offer thermal energy storage capacity, delivering power to thegrid with high reliability, high capacity factor and low cost. However, their operation is constrained by themaximum temperature allowable for the heat transfer fluids used (up to 565 ?C using molten salts). Continuousefforts are in progress to demonstrate the scalability, reliability, functionality, and performance of differentconcentrated solar thermal components and liquid heat transfer fluids for third-generation concentratedsolar power plants. Third-generation concentrated solar power plants are characterized by: (a) operatingat temperatures above 700 ?C and (b) increasing the capacity, reliability, efficiency and stability of thesystem network. To date, several authors have evaluated the performance of novel liquid, solid particlesand gaseous/supercritical heat transfer fluids, triggering intense development of new receivers, enhancedheat exchangers, storage systems, new materials, and their aging tests, among others. The present studycompiles the recent literature referred to the liquid-pathway of third-generation concentrated solar powerplants, emphasizing the relevant lines of research and the issues to be resolved in the coming years onhigh-temperature receivers, heat transfer fluids and storage concepts, as well as suitable high-temperaturethermodynamic cycles.