A 1 MW closed helium Brayton cycle is proposed in this study to eliminate the use of water in solar thermal power plants in arid areas. The power system uses highly concentrated sunlight to generate heat at temperatures around 850 to 900 °C. The heat is used in a closed, helium Brayton cycle and is partly stored in a high temperature phase-change material to provide heat for nighttime use. The energy efficiency of the system is analyzed. Other technical issues are discussed.

Volume Subject Area:
Concentrating Solar Power
Topics:
Brayton cycle, Helium, High temperature, Solar energy, Thermal energy storage, Heat, Energy efficiency, Phase change materials, Power systems (Machinery), Solar thermal power, Sunlight, Temperature, Water
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Copyright © 2010
 by ASME
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