Can solar thermal systems provide green process heat in Germany?

In this range, the systems can provide green process heat as well as local and district heating even in Germany. Thanks to the integration of heat storage, a high degree of solar coverage of up to 65 – 75% can be achieved. The hybridization of a solar thermal system enables the year-round provision of renewable heat.

Can concentrating solar thermal energy contribute to the German and European heat transition?

With its technological possibilities, concentrating solar thermal energy can contribute to the success of the German and European heat transition. Concentrating collector systems produce controllable heat between 50 and about 430 °C operating temperature.

What are the advantages of high temperature solar-thermal processes?

High temperature solar-thermal processes have great economic advantages compared to conventional technologies in the areas of solar cooling, air conditioning, heating, process steam, process cooling, as well as electricity generation and sea-water desalination.

Can solar power towers store more heat than parabolic trough collectors?

Solar power towers have the potential for storing much more heat than parabolic trough collectors . Nevertheless, some key challenges must be addressed in order to become a real option for storing energy in large power capacity plants with low electricity costs in the near future .

What is the thermal efficiency of solar power towers?

Thermo-economic data Regarding efficiency values and as a general overview, it can be highlighted that thermal efficiency (solar to mechanical) is estimated between 30% and 40% for solar power towers.

Are hybrid solar tower gas turbines a viable technology?

Some already mentioned interesting projects include SOLGATE , SOLHYCO , SOLUGAS and HYGATE , which proved that hybrid solar tower gas turbine systems are a feasible technology that requires more R&D for decreasing electricity prices .