HiFlex project generates solar heat for industrial processes
In the EU HiFlex (High storage density solar power plant for Flexible energy systems) project, DLR is developing and constructing a special process heat plant together with partners from industry. Its central element is a solar thermal tower power plant. The pilot plant is being built at the premises of Italian cooperation partner Barilla. It is intended to demonstrate that an industrial production plant – in this case a pasta factory – can be continuously supplied with renewably generated, solar process heat, day and night.
The heart of the solar thermal tower power plant is the CentRec (Centrifugal Receiver) radiation receiver developed at the DLR Institute of Solar Research. In this device, ceramic particles in a rotating drum absorb the heat of the solar radiation, store it and transfer it to the point of use. One advantage of the ceramic particles – compared to the molten salt that is otherwise used – is that they can withstand higher temperatures of up to 1000 degrees Celsius. They are also cheaper, pose no danger to the environment and are easier to store and transport than molten salt. In the HiFlex plant, the particles transport the heat directly to a steam generator. There, water becomes process steam. Alternatively, a storage tank can absorb the hot particles and thus store the heat for many hours until it is needed again, for example at night.
In the construction and operation of the pilot plant, DLR is contributing its comprehensive expertise in the technology areas of concentrating solar systems, steam generators and materials. Here, the transfer of scientific findings into an industrial application enables the transformation towards sustainable production.
Link:
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Solar Research
Dr. Eckhard Lüpfert | Email Eckhard.Luepfert@dlr.de
