Benefits of Medium Temperature Solar Concentration Technologies as Thermal Energy Source of Industrial Processes in Spain

Abstract

This paper analyses the possible applications of medium temperature solar concentration technologies, Compound Parabolic Collector, Linear Fresnel Collector and Parabolic Trough Collector in the Spanish industrial sector. Results of this study allow evaluating whether or not solar technologies are an alternative to conventional sources. This possibility is analyzed energetically, economically and environmentally. Results show that the percentage of solar use is decisive in determining the true thermal energy generation cost. The other essential parameter is the solar field area due to produce economy of scale that reduces investment costs. Fluid temperature has significant influence mainly in Compound Parabolic Collector technology. Results obtained in this paper collect multiple alternatives and allow comparing for different scenarios the suitability to replace conventional energy sources by thermal energy obtained from medium temperature solar concentration technologies from an economic perspective. For instance, for percentage of solar use equal to 100%, the lowest thermal energy generation costs for each technology are 1.3 c /kWh for Compound Parabolic Collector technology, fluid temperature of 100º C and industrial process located in Seville, 2.4 c /kWh for Linear Fresnel Collector technology, fluid temperature of 170º C and industrial process located in Jaen, 3.3 c /kWh for technology, fluid temperature of 350º C and industrial process located in Jaen. These costs are lower than conventional energy sources costs