The main advantages of thermal energy storage (TES) for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants include:
- Dispatchability and Continuous Power Supply: TES allows CSP plants to generate electricity on demand, even during periods of low solar irradiance or at night. This capability makes CSP plants with TES comparable to conventional fossil fuel-based power plants in terms of reliability and flexibility.
- Increased Value Through Peak Pricing: By storing excess energy during high solar irradiance periods, CSP plants can shift electricity production to hours when energy prices are higher. This strategic operation enhances the economic viability of CSP, allowing it to earn more revenue compared to producing electricity only when solar resources are available.
- Enhanced Capacity Utilization: TES enables CSP plants to fully utilize the solar field energy by storing excess heat for later use. This means that larger solar fields can be economically viable since any excess energy generated during peak solar hours can be stored for use during periods of low solar input.
- Ancillary Services and Firm Capacity: CSP plants with TES can provide high-value ancillary services like spinning reserves and offer firm capacity, which is crucial for maintaining grid stability and reliability.
- Diversified Applications: CSP with TES can not only produce electricity but also provide process steam for industrial applications, such as water desalination and chemical production. This versatility extends the economic benefits beyond electricity generation alone.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-advantages-of-thermal-energy-storage-for-csp-plants/
