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Introduction to CSP systems and performance

P. Heller    German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany

Abstract

This chapter introduces into the principles of concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies, its main components as well as typical plant concepts. It covers the main technologies, i.e., solar tower, parabolic trough, linear Fresnel, and dish/engine systems and discusses the importance of performance assessment for each, always under the aspect of the market demand for such assessment. This introduction also provides the historical background from the first commercial plants until the market size of 5 GW in 2016. Also, the development of research and test infrastructure and key R&D projects are presented, highlighting their role in developing ...

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