STEAM AND GAS TURBINES FOR SMALL OUTPUTS USING SOLAR ENERGY

The conversion of the solar energy into electrical or mechanical energy in turbine power plants requires new design criteria. The choice of the working fluid and the configuration of the cycle are of great importance. Not every variant is suitable for the solar farm and the solar tower concept in the same way. The design of the turbomachinery and the other components of the cycle do strongly influence each other. An important point of view in designing a small solar power station is the simplicity of the construction so that no special service is required in remote locations. The efficiency should be as high as possible. Some important criteria for the choice and design of small power turbine plants using solar energy are discussed. The advantages of open cycle air turbines are compared with steam turbines. Indications to the choice of suitable cycles and turbomachinery are given.