Terrafore © Copyright 2011
Terrafore is developing technologies for Distributed CSP systems, which can be set up in urban as well as remote locations, in sizes starting from as low as 200 kW. Such systems will enable distributed CSP generation at a low cost with the benefit of dispatchability closer to consumers, opening up the possibility of solar power playing a major role in renewable energy portfolios and replacing conventional sources of power. Distributed CSP systems can provide electric power, heating, cooling or any combination thereof.
CSP has a significant advantage over Photovoltaic (PV) power in that it provides dispatchable power at lower cost per kWh. PV power generation is interrupted or completely stopped with passing clouds, on rainy days and during night time. Battery storage is expensive and inefficient. Consequently, PV power generation cannot yet be a major contributor to the overall energy portfolio. CSP overcomes these issues with thermal energy storage, making electric power available when needed, at a lower overall cost, thereby making CSP more attractive from a power utility perspective.
Until now almost all of current and planned CSP generation has consisted of large plants of about 50 MW to hundreds of MW, located far from urban centers. These plants require a large contiguous land area, large capital outlays and sometimes significant investments in transmission lines. They also require several years to obtain permits and to build.
Terrafore is addressing these drawbacks with proprietary technology solutions and designs for concentrators, tracking systems and thermal energy storage which address the specific requirements of smaller CSP systems.
Solar Energy
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Distributed CSP