Novel System for Distributed Energy Generation from a Small Scale Concentrated Solar Power

• Published in: Energy procedia 2014, Vol.57, p.447-456
• Main Authors: Crema, Luigi, Alberti, Fabrizio, Wackelgard, Ewa, Rivolta, Barbara, Hesse, Sebastian, Luminari, Lorenzo, Hislop, Drummond, Restall, Brian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: distributed energy generation; micro combined heat and power; small scale csp
• ISSN: 1876-6102; 1876-6102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2014.10.198

The present work describes the realization of a modular 1-3 kWe, 3-9 kWth micro Combined Heat and Power (m-CHP) system based on innovative Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and Stirling engine technology. The cogeneration of energy at distributed level is one of leading argument in large part of energy policies related to renewable energy resources and systems. This CSP m-CHP will provide electrical power, heating and cooling for single and multiple domestic dwellings and other small buildings. The developed system integrates small-scale concentrator optics with moving and tracking components, solar absorbers in the form of evacuated tube collectors, a heat transfer fluid, a Stirling engine with generator, and heating and/or cooling systems; it incorporates them into buildings in an architecturally acceptable manner, with low visual impact. Some good results have already been achieved, while developments on several technology subcomponents will be finalized through first part of 2013. Two Cer. Met. have been modelled, realized and tested. The up scaled receiver, in form of Cer. Met. coating based on TiO2 – Nb, has been confirmed an absorptance of 0.94 and emittance of 0.1 (@350̊C). A second Cer. Met. coating based on SiO2 – W has demonstrated an absorptance of 0.93 and emittance of 0.09 (@350̊C). A full-evacuated solar tube has been designed and realized, with absorber of 12mm in diameter and length in 2 meters. The system is provided of a concentration ratio 12:1, and a single module is 200cm long, 40cm wide and 20-25cm high. Two or more modules can be combined. The evacuated solar tube, located on the focus, has the selective absorber on a tube of 12mm in diameter. A very thin glass mirror has been developed (< 1mm). The overall mirror reflectivity has been measured, the verified value is 0,954. Research has proposed a high energy density, double acting Stirling engine, provided of innovative heat exchangers realized through Selective Laser Melting process. The engine is a low speed (250 RPM), high pressure (130 Bars) and compact solution able to be run at 300̊C and generate 3,5kW nominal power. The solar technology has actually entered the proof-of-concept stage. A solar plant has been installed in Malta, by Arrow Pharm company, supplying the industrial process of generated steam at 180̊C and 3.5 absolute pressure. The solar collector's efficiency is close to 47% in presence of 900W/m2 of direct solar radiation. During 2013, solar evacuated tubes with inno