摘要 |
Insolation can be used to heat pressurized water to produce supercritical steam for use in generating electricity (e.g., via a steam turbine). During periods of relatively higher insolation, there can be more heat energy (i.e., enthalpy) in the supercritical than what is needed or desired for electricity generation or can be used within the capacity constraints of a provided power block. Alternatively or additionally, it may be desirable to store energy from insolation to supplement or provide electricity generation at a later time. In general, enthalpy in supercritical steam produced by the insolation can be stored in a thermal storage system (i.e., charging the storage system) for subsequent use, for example, during periods of relatively lower insolation or at times when supplemental electricity generation is desired. The use of supercritical steam can result in a higher temperature for the thermal storage system, which can be used to generate superheated steam independent of or in addition to insolation steam generation. |