TEST AND DEMONSTRATION OF THE DIRECT STEAM GENERATION (DSG) AT 500°C

The direct steam generation (DSG) in parabolic trough collectors is a promising option to improve the mature SEGS type parabolic trough solar thermal power plant technology. According to previous studies the cost reduction of the DSG process compared to the SEGS technology is expected to be approx. 10 %. One pre-requisite for this cost reduction is the increase of the system efficiency by increasing the live steam temperature significantly. So far no solar field components, such as absorber tubes, flexible tube connections or a storage system, have been developed suited for an operation temperature higher than 400°C. To solve this problem a German-Spanish consortium was formed to develop these components. Within this project the partners are developing, testing and operating all mentioned components for an operation temperature of up to 500°C. To test these components under real solar conditions at 500°C a test set-up is being erected and connected to Endesas conventional power plant in Carboneras (Spain).