Advances in Concentrating Solar Power Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Solar radiation is the most abundant and distributed primary energy source on Earth and therefore it is naturally expected to play a fundamental role in the necessary transition from the present electric system, still mainly based on fossil fuels, to a totally renewable and sustainable one.

Compared to the currently more widespread photovoltaic technologies, which require the difficult storage of electricity (using, for instance, batteries) to address the issues related to the natural variability of the solar radiation, Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems are capable of storing large amounts of energy through the use of thermal energy storage, which are better in terms of efficiency and applicability on a larger scale. This makes CSP a far more promising solution for large scale power generation from solar and therefore the most suitable technology to promote a massive penetration of solar energy in the power generation industry.

Moreover, the integration of CSP technology in existing large-scale fossil-fueled power plants can provide cost-effective environmental impact mitigation, guaranteeing at the same time a firm supply of electricity. The main advantages of integrated versus solar only power plants are equipment sharing, and in turn the lower investment costs, higher load factor, reduced financial risks, extension of the suitable locations for the solar plant (in terms of lower acceptable solar irradiance) and lower impact on the existing electric grid.

This Special Issue aims to take stock of the more recent advances and innovations in the field seeking to concentrate solar power generation. The Guest Editor invites original research papers and comprehensive reviews on all aspects of this field, from technological developments on collectors/central receivers, storage systems and heat transfer fluids for CSP applications to new solar-only or integrated power system configurations.

Dr. Sergio Rech
Guest Editor

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