Chapter 8 LO17: Explain How Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Systsems Will Use Lenses Or Mirros To Focus A Large Area Of Sunlight Into A Small Beam

Question 1

All 3 CSP Systems in this LO must track the sun. Why is this the case?

Answer 1

All 3 systems must track the sun as all systems rely upon direct radiation from the sun

Question 2

Q2

Answer 2

EX 8.17

Question 3

A manufacturer of a parabolic trough system suggests making the mirror dean a more simplistic semi-circular geometry. Is this design advisable Explain your answer.

Answer 3

This is not advisable as the mirror will reflect the sun’s radiation into a focal plane. The energy will be spread out over a large area, which will limit the energy that can be absorbed by a fluid if placed in this region.

Question 4

Can parabolic trough and fresnel reflector mirrors be placed very close together?

Answer 4

Yes, as they both work the same way in which they both require direct radiation from the sun as they are sent to a focal point in which heats up a heat transfer fluid which increases in temperature and this temperature is transferred to water which is then heat this then turns to steam to power steam wind turbines

Question 5

Name 2 types of concentrating solar power (CSP Systems)

Answer 5

Parabolic Troughs
Fresnel collectors

Question 6

Explain how CSP systems may be used in power plants

Answer 6

CSP plants produce electricity by converting the sun’s energy into high temperature heat (steam) using various mirror configurations. The steam is then sent through a generator to produce electricity.

Question 7

EX 8.17 CCEA PPQ Q2a

Answer 7

EX 8.17

Question 8

Outline how CSP systems may be used in power plants to convert the sun’s energy into electricity

Answer 8

CSP plants use mirrors to focus the sun’s energy for conversion into high grade heat (steam). The steam drives a turbine which turns a generator creating electricity.