Projects:

Storage Integrated Solar Thermal Power Generation:

Developing a methodology to produce steam directly at high pressure (~50 bar) and temperature (~400oC) using a solar thermal energy. Generated steam used for the power generation as well as for thermal utilization technologies, in an optimal manner. The solar collector field consists of both Linear Fresnel mirrors and secondary concentrators, for concentrating the solar energy to increase the final steam temperature and pressure. Effective strategies to spread the non-uniform heat flux incident on the absorber tube to avoid hot spots and structural deformation due to thermal stresses, are being implemented. In this project, it is envisaged to provide the maximum utilization of the thermal energy residing in the steam by tapping it for various poly-generation purposes (steam for cooking, hot water, cold storage and water desalination). Working towards to achieve an efficiency in excess of 50% of the energy collected, including electrical power generation and thermal utilization.

Several absorber coatings have been developed in the past which possess high absorbance for the solar spectrum and low thermal emittance. Initiated to assess the field data over two full seasons, in order to assess the potential for producing solar power on a year-round basis.Simultaneously, theoretical models are being developed for comparison purposes and also to tune the operational conditions for optimal performance. Integration of a 10 kL per day water desalination plant and 20 TR cold storage plant operating on waste heat utilization with the solar thermal power plant are being carried out.

Efficient development and Integration of Desalination unit:

Assessing the potential of integrating the desalination system with solar power plant to utilize the steam from the solar based stem power plant and to augment the efficiency. Polygeneration through concentrating solar thermal systems (Simultaneous generation of power, water and cold storage). The following activities are parallely being carried out,

• Identification of the techno-economic potential in the system and comparing the economic feasibility of the proposed system various other existing desalination technologies.

• Developing simulation models for the integrated system.

• Developing a small prototyping of the MED based desalination system and preliminary experiments being conducted.

• Development of MED system and integration of the same with CSP based Steam generation Performance evaluation of the integrated system and validating the same with the simulation results.

• Assessing the commercial viability along with the environmental and social impacts of the proposed system.

Solar cold storage based on vapour jet refrigeration system:

The exhaust steam from the solar power plant possess 1 atm pressure and 100-120oC which is an excellent source for operating a vapor-jet refrigeration based cold storage system. The ejector refrigeration system could be operated satisfactorily at generator temperatures as low as 65°C with suitable refrigerants. This project working towards to develop the 20 TR capacity vapour ejector refrigeration system with environment friendly refrigerants. Currently, optimizing the system design and matching the components for the cold storage and refrigeration modules.