Concentrating solar power (CSP) utilizes solar energy to drive a thermal power cycle for the generation of electricity and comprises technologies (i.e., parabolic trough, linear Fresnel, power towers, and dish engine systems) that deliver low emission, flexible, and reliable power. Due to these benefits, the global CSP market is forecast to grow at a 19.4% CAGR to reach a market size of $8.7 billion in 2020, according to Transparency Market Research. Within CSP technologies, parabolic trough power plants accounted for approximately 70% of the global CSP market in 2015 and are expected to maintain their prevalence within the CSP market through 2025, according to market research firm Market Insights.
Parabolic trough power plants are a reliable CSP option and collect thermal energy in an organic heat transfer fluid (HTF). However, operating this HTF at its maximum temperature slowly degrades the mixture, which generates hydrogen gas (H2). During normal operation of parabolic trough power plants, hydrogen present within the HTF permeates across the power plant’s absorber tubes and into the receiver annuli, which contain getters designed to absorb hydrogen. When these getters saturate hydrogen buildup occurs rapidly within the annuli, which increases heat loss from the receivers and decreases their thermal efficiency. Analysis has estimated that hydrogen accumulation in 50% of the collector field receivers decreases net electricity production by about 11%. Thus, researchers at NREL have developed a novel hydrogen mitigation and management method for CSP parabolic trough power plants.
from Energy Innovation Portal Technology Ticker https://techportal.eere.energy.gov/technology.do/techID=1565
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