A review on CSP technologies with heat transfer fluids used in Indian power plants

Abstract

Now-a-days concentrated solar power plant (CSPP) is generally used for grid based power generation unit, i.e., for large scale power generation. A centralise tower consisting of heat transfer fluid which circulates throughout the plant. There are so many different kinds of heat transfer fluids (HTFs), each have different thermal and physical properties. In order to fulfil the energy requirements in rural areas, CSPP can be viewed as an alternative source for power generation ranging 10kW up to 1–2MW production capacity. Today, number of CSPP has already been installed at different locations along with large power capacities. These installed CSPP uses different types of HTF such as, therminol VP-1 synthetic oil, dowtherm A, etc As per govt. of India's central electrical authority report 2016, India produces 61% of electricity from coal which may depleted soon. But still India is unable to fulfill energy demand all over the country with non renewable energy sources. So they need some alternate sources of energy to bridging the gap between the demand and supply. In this paper we are reviewing the various properties of each heat transfer fluid with reference to CSPP in India. Then suggesting to utilize halide based salt in these plants for small scale power generations in rural areas and utilizing phase change material for two purpose, first to be working as a heat transfer fluid and second is to be using as heat storage material. This article also explains that how the solar radiations are concentrated to a solar power tower with the help of heliostats specifically for small capacity power generation unit, and thus to install small capacities solar power tower within the Indian smart cities with the help of different heat transfer fluids.