Optimising Solar Energy: A Deep Dive into Ecotherm's Linear Fresnel System
Solar power has emerged as a frontrunner in our quest for sustainable and renewable energy sources. It's clean, abundant, and increasingly cost-effective. However, when we think of solar power, we often think only of solar panels and photovoltaics and less often think of Solar Concentrated Power, which can be an effective way to harness the sun’s energy to create both heat and electricity. Ecotherm’s Linear Fresnel System stands out as an innovative and versatile solution among the various technologies available for harnessing solar energy.
At Enaxiom, we’re passionate about bringing cutting-edge technology into Australia to help industries decarbonise their processes. This commitment fuels our collaboration with Ecotherm.
In this article, we will delve into what a Linear Fresnel System is, which industries can benefit from it, provide examples of its use, and explore the advantages of Ecotherm’s linear Fresnel system.
Understanding the Linear Fresnel System
The Linear Fresnel System is a type of concentrating solar power (CSP) technology that uses mirrors or reflectors to focus sunlight onto a linear receiver above the mirrors. This receiver contains a heat transfer fluid, typically water or oil, which is heated by concentrated solar energy. In conventional thermo-solar powerplants, the heated fluid is then used to generate steam, which, in turn, drives a turbine to produce electricity.
The primary components of a Linear Fresnel System include:
Linear Mirrors or Reflectors: These are long narrow mirrors installed in parallel that track the sun's movement throughout the day to concentrate sunlight onto the stationary receiver.
Receiver Tube: The receiver tube is positioned above the mirrors and contains the heat transfer fluid. It absorbs the concentrated solar energy and transfers it to the fluid.
Heat Transfer Fluid: Water or oil circulates through the receiver tube, absorbing heat from the concentrated sunlight.
Steam Generator: In conventional thermo-solar powerplants, the heated fluid is used to produce steam, which is then utilised to generate electricity using a conventional steam turbine. However, other configurations enable the delivery of steam or pressurised hot water for process heat applications.
Industries Utilising Linear Fresnel Systems
Food & Beverage Manufacturers: can utilise the Linear Fresnel System to generate steam in a pressure range of 6-12bar, which is essential for various processes such as pasteurisation, sterilisation, and cooking; or pressurized hot water for cleaning. This solar-generated heat reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to greener and more sustainable food production.
Chemical Manufacturers: require precise temperature control for chemical reactions and processes. Linear Fresnel Systems can provide the necessary temperature for process heat, reducing energy costs and environmental impact by replacing or supplementing traditional fossil fuel-based heating methods.
Electricity Generation: Linear Fresnel Systems are used in utility-scale solar power plants to produce electricity. These systems can be integrated into existing power generation infrastructure to enhance renewable energy capacity.
Industrial Process Heat: Many industries require temperatures between 150-250°C heat for processes such as desalination, industrial drying, and chemical manufacturing. Linear Fresnel Systems can provide cost-effective and sustainable solutions to meet these needs.
Desalination: Solar desalination plants use Linear Fresnel Systems to generate steam for the desalination process, turning seawater into freshwater through evaporation and condensation.
District Heating: In colder regions, Linear Fresnel Systems are employed for district heating applications, providing both electricity and thermal energy for heating.
Examples of Ecotherm’s Linear Fresnel System Use
Sant Celoni, Spain: Ecotherm installed a 800 m2 Fresnel system for a chemical manufacturer in Spain. The system produces steam at 12 and 20 bar(g) for the manufacturer.
Advantages of Ecotherm’s Linear Fresnel System
Cost-Effective: Linear Fresnel Systems are generally more cost-effective to build and maintain compared to some other CSP technologies like parabolic troughs or solar towers.
Modularity: These systems are highly modular, making them suitable for a wide range of applications and easy to scale according to energy demand.
Environmental Benefits: They are environmentally friendly, producing zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Applications have shown that it can in fact reduce CO2 emissions by up to 75%.
Integration Potential: Linear Fresnel Systems can be integrated with existing power plants, boosting the renewable energy capacity of conventional facilities.
Reliability: With fewer moving parts compared to some other CSP technologies, Linear Fresnel Systems are known for their reliability and durability.
Lightweight: Ecotherm’s Fresnel system weighs about the same as solar panels, making them perfect for rooftop applications. In addition, their low centre of gravity and height of only 16cm make them very wind resistant.
Automatic cleaning: Ecotherm has developed its own automatic cleaning system to make maintenance of the system simple and easy.
Pre-assembled: Easy to transport and install, as it is specifically designed to integrate into existing systems.
Ecotherm’s unique design features:
- Pre-assembled mirror module, including drive and control features
- Transport in compact units
- Easy installation process
- Low surface loading, (25 kg/m² roof load)
- Perfectly suitable for rooftop installation
- Automatic clean system
- Same efficiency with lower system cost
- Guaranteed System Efficiency (ISO 9806:2013)
- TUV approved
Ecotherm's Linear Fresnel System is a remarkable innovation in the field of solar energy. It has demonstrated its versatility and efficiency in a variety of industries, including chemical manufacturing and food and beverage manufacturing. With its cost-effectiveness, environmental benefits, and modularity, this technology is poised to play a significant role in our transition to a more sustainable and renewable energy future. As the world continues to seek cleaner energy sources, the Linear Fresnel System offers a promising solution that contributes to a greener planet.
