What is solar thermal plant?

Solar thermal plant is one of the most interesting applications of solar energy for power generation. The plant is composed mainly of a solar collector field and a power conversion system to convert thermal energy into electricity.

How do solar thermal power plants work?

Solar thermal power plants are electricity generation plants that utilize energy from the Sun to heat a fluid to a high temperature. This fluid then transfers its heat to water, which then becomes superheated steam. This steam is then used to turn turbines in a power plant, and this mechanical energy is converted into electricity by a generator.

What is a solar energy glossary?

W ----- Y ----- Z ----- Solar Energy Glossary of Photovoltaic Terms is a comprehensive collection of terms pertaining to solar installations, solar electricity, and solar power generation. The definitions included relate to photovoltaic, concentrated solar power, and solar thermal technologies.

What is a solar thermal tower power plant?

Central receiver systems such as solar thermal tower plants can reach higher temperatures and therefore achieve higher efficiencies. In solar thermal tower power plants, hundreds or even thousands of large two-axis tracked mirrors are installed around a tower.

Why are solar thermal power plants important?

Since solar thermal power plants can feed their electricity into the power grid even after sunset, they are of particular value for an energy system based on renewable energy sources. Solar thermal power plants are of strategic importance in sunny countries to be able to phase out coal and gas power plants in the future.

Are solar thermal power plants controllable?

Since power generation can be flexibly adapted to demand, solar thermal power plants are referred to as controllable power plants. Solar thermal power plants have an additional advantage. If there is little solar radiation for several days due to the weather, they can be operated in hybrid mode.