MGT CYCLES FOR SOLAR DISH APPLICATIONS

Concentrated Solar Power Systems based on engines to convert the heat into mechanical (electrical) power take benefit from the high temperatures achievable in the receiver-absorber. A Modular Sun Energy converter based on the Dish Technology, for distributed electricity production as well as for large power plants, is analysed in the present paper. Presently, Solar Dish applications are focused on the Stirling Engine Technology. For each module the poweranges from a few kW up to some 30kW. SD have been also equipped with Brayton Cycle based engines having an electric power in the order of 100 kW. Engines taken into consideration in this paper are based on Micro Gas Turbines (MGT). Since the cost of the solar system is much higher than that one of the engine, the electricity cost can decrease improving the MGT efficiency, making the solar MGTs competitive in respect of the Stirling Engines. Various MGT complex arrangement options have been analysed, searching high efficiency solutions. Results have been presented and widely discussed.