Fundamental principles of concentrating solar power (CSP) systems

This chapter provides an overview of the fundamental principles of CSP systems. It begins with the optical processes and the ultimate limits on the extent to which solar radiation can be concentrated. Practical factors that reduce achievable concentration levels further are discussed. Mechanisms of thermal energy loss from receivers are covered. Available power cycles for electricity generation are reviewed. The second law of thermodynamics is introduced to lead into a consideration of optimization of overall system efficiency via variation of operating temperature and receiver aperture size. Performance modelling of complete systems is introduced and finally the analysis of levelized cost of energy is covered, as a metric for comparing systems, and as a tool to thermo-economic optimization in design.