Concept comparison and test facility design for the analysis of direct steam generation in once-through mode

In addition to the commercial parabolic trough power plants using synthetic oil, the direct steam generation (DSG) is one option for future trough plants. Besides its higher efficiency and lower environmental impact, the overall levelized electricity costs (LEC) will be decisive for the future application of DSG. This paper focuses on the thermodynamic and economic comparison of synthetic oil and DSG plants including the aspect of thermal energy storage – which gains more and more in importance by industry and investors.