Introduction

This utility model relates to a thermodynamic solar parabolic collector system utilizing atmospheric air as a heat transfer fluid and its process for the production of electric energy. The plant, operating with an open-type Joule-Brayton cycle, consists of an inter-refrigerated compressor, a field of linear parabolic collectors, a combustion chamber and a regenerator.

Technical features

This type of plant, which utilizes linear parabolic collectors refrigerated by atmospheric air, is a novelty in the field of thermodynamic solar power plants. At present state of the art, thermodynamic solar parabolic collector systems use synthetic oil or molten salts in the collectors and use, for the production of electricity, a Rankine steam-water cycle. The use of atmospheric air as a heat transfer fluid completely eliminates the temperature, safety and cost limits present in these types of plant. Air can also be used for the inter-refrigeration of the compressor, avoiding the use of water. This is particularly advantageous when installing these plants in water-free desert regions. Moreover, providing the installation of a combustion chamber powered by natural gas or by other  fossil fuel a hybrid plant is easily created functioning even at those times when the solar source is absent or insufficient.

Possible Applications

• Production of electrical energy in small or medium scale using solar energy.

Advantages

• Use of atmospheric air as a heat transfer fluid;
• Use of atmospheric air for the inter-refrigeration of the compressor;
• Elimination of the steam generator;
• High safety and economic advantages with respect to oil and molten salts plants;
• Reduction of elecrical energy cost;
• Enviromental benefits.