Solar Steam Generator

At the heart of the collector system lies a high performance absorber. Sunlight, intensified to the equivalent of 13 suns, is focused onto a spherical absorber surface, which is vacuum insulated behind glass. Inside the sphere, a capillary layer (similar to heat pipe technology) ensures that condensate is naturally redistributed based on solar input, where it evaporates again. The steam is returned in a saturated state.

Cleaning System

This automatic cleaning system is a groundbreaking innovation. In large-scale industrial installations, it significantly reduces long-term operating costs by eliminating the need for frequent manual cleaning. The collectors can be gently cleaned on a daily basis with minimal water usage, ensuring they consistently operate at peak efficiency. This prevents the accumulation of stubborn dirt that could otherwise cause lasting damage to the mirrors.

PV-Modul for additional generating of Electricity

This is a convectively ventilated solar module. The supporting structure includes the routing of the electrical wiring. For the protective position, the PV modules are rotated 180°, thereby covering the mirror unit like a lid. The cleaning mechanism is also possible with this collector variant.

Steam Engine

This is an innovative valve controlled system that responds optimally to load fluctuations. As a result, the efficiency remains consistently high even in partial load operation. With a solar thermal output of 300 kW-TH (10 Oktosol), approximately 90 kW-EL can be produced. All components are easy to manufacture according to the current state of the art. A detailed process calculation is available.

Thermal Storage for Power Generation

This is a two-phase storage unit designed for the input and extraction of saturated steam. It operates within a closed-loop system connected to solar collectors and a steam engine. When steam is introduced, both the temperature and pressure within the storage unit increase; when steam is extracted, the temperature and pressure decrease accordingly.

The storage unit is delivered ready for installation with transport dimensions of 2300 x 2300 x 2380 mm, a weight of 650 kg, and a volume capacity of 4.5 m³. The stored energy makes it possible to operate the low-pressure stage of the steam power plant even during periods without solar input (e.g., at night).

Optimal operation occurs within a temperature range of 125 °C to 90 °C. Assuming a temperature differential of 35 °C, the unit stores approximately 183 kWh of thermal energy. The final stage of the power generation process can convert this thermal energy into electricity with an efficiency of 13 %, resulting in approximately 23.7 kWh of electrical energy.