POWDER2POWER (P2P) – MW-scale fluidized particle-driven CSP prototype demonstration

P2P project aims to demonstrate at the MW-scale (TRL7) the operation of an innovative, cost effective and more reliable complete fluidized particle-driven Concentrated Solar Technology that can be applied for both power and industrial heat production. The prototype to be developed and tested is based on the modification and the improvement of an experimental loop built in the framework of the previous H2020 project Next-CSP. It will include all the components of a commercial plant, a multi-tube fluidized bed solar receiver (2 MWth), an electricity-driven particle superheater (300 kW), a hot store, a particle-to-working fluid crossflow fluidized bed heat exchanger (2 MWth), a turbine (hybrid Brayton cycle gas turbine, 1.2 MWe), a cold store and a vertical particle transport system (~100 m). The addition of an electricity-driven particle superheater will enable to validate a hybridized PV-CSP system working at 750°C that is expected to result in electricity cost reduction and efficiency improvement with respect to state-of-the-art.

Background

Concentrating solar power (CSP) is recognized as a key technology to enable a faster increase of fluctuating renewables in the grid by leveraging the inherent flexibility offered by the cost-effective thermal energy storage included in the plant. However, cheaper, more scalable, more flexible and more environmentally friendly CSP solutions needs to attain higher technological readiness and be fully de-risked at relevant scales and under relevant working conditions.

P2P directly contribute to a relevant step forward toward full commercialization of advanced hybrid particles based CSP-PV plant. P2P envisions replacing molten salt mixtures with much cheaper, environmentally friendly, and large temperature range particles as both heat transfer fluid and thermal storage medium allowing higher storage capacities and maximized system flexibility.

Aim and Objectives

The main goal and objective of P2P is to demonstrate at a MW-scale (TRL7) the operation of a cost-effective particle driven Concentrating Solar Technology that can be applied for both power and industrial heat generation. To achieve that the project will:

Demonstrate innovative, cost effective and more reliable components and complete systems for CSP plants and concentrating solar thermal installations
Improve the components and system efficiency via specific development activities and innovative approaches.
Integrate all components in a relevant facility (Thermis Solar) under relevant working conditions and demonstrate and de-risk the operation of the different components and the complete system during one year.
Develop and validate a bio-inspired highly efficient Thermal Energy Storage system using a Phase Change Material that is adaptable to the heat requirements at target temperatures which can provide system flexibility.
Assess the technical, economic, social and environmental impact of the integrated system to ensure replicability and assist in further scale-up and full commercialization.