KonzentratorSonnenenergie

Konzentrator-Sonnenenergie, often abbreviated as CSP (Concentrated Solar Power), refers to a technology that uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a small area. This concentrated light then generates high temperatures, which can be used to produce electricity. Unlike photovoltaic solar panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity, CSP systems typically use thermal energy as an intermediate step.

The core components of a CSP system include collectors, a receiver, and a power block. Collectors, such as parabolic troughs, heliostats, or solar dishes, are designed to focus sunlight. The receiver, usually located at the focal point of the collectors, absorbs the concentrated solar energy and heats a fluid, often oil or molten salt. This heated fluid is then transported to a power block, where it generates steam. The steam drives a turbine, which in turn powers an electric generator to produce electricity.

One significant advantage of CSP is its ability to store thermal energy. Molten salt storage systems, for instance, can store heat for hours, allowing electricity generation even when the sun is not shining, thus providing a more consistent power output compared to intermittent photovoltaic systems. CSP technology is particularly well-suited for regions with high direct normal irradiance (DNI), which is the amount of sunlight that comes directly from the sun without being scattered by clouds.