Road map towards the demonstration of a linear Fresnel collector using single tube receiver

The new technology of the linear Fresnel-collector shows the potential to reach significant market shares in the emerging global solar thermal power market. Our aim is to build and operate a full-size demonstration collector to gather experimental experience and validate the theoretical expectations. In order to prepare for that, a series of preparatory analyses have been performed and component development is underway. We present here the recent progress within the project “VDemo-Fresnel” funded by the German Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) under the number FKZ16UM0038. The point of reference for this project was a Fresnel-collector prototype that was installed in Belgium by the company Solarmundo. In this paper we present the results of the geometrical collector optimisations and the tracking system of the primary mirrors, and show results of the experimental evaluation of the receiver including the secondary mirror. Models for direct steam generation in horizontal tubes have been investigated for the Fresnel-collector. According to the simulation results unfavourable flows can be avoided, and direct steam generation seems feasible. Mechanical loads on the absorber pipe have been analysed with an FEM-program under static conditions. The maximum stress in the absorber tube which occurs in the superheating section still remains below critical values. The infrastructural planning for the integration of the Fresnel-collector at Plataforma Solar de Almería, Spain, has been carried out. The main purpose of the project was the theoretical investigation and adaptation of simulation tools to the special technology of the linear Fresnel-collector in order to support the decisions leading to the building of a future demonstration collector.