Tower Plants

Tower power system CSP technology is a promising source of energy that is creating electricity now in Spain. The first commercial power tower plant, PS10, was installed by Abengoa Solar and is operating successfully. Abengoa Solar is currently constructing its second commercial power tower system, and has plans for a third system that will utilize high temperature technology recently developed at a demonstration plant.

CSP can be easily integrated into conventional power cycle plants or combined cycles at low additional cost. Electricity from CSP technology is generated like conventional electricity generation, except solar power is used to provide heat instead of a boiler running on fossil fuels.
CSP is nearly ideal for supplying peak electricity demands. During recent summers, the peak demands for electricity has been far greater than winter peak demands. This is largely due to the use of air conditioning. CSP plants provide the most electricity during the hottest part of the day, when air conditioners are being used most.
CSP energy can be managed with hybridization and storage. Solar energy is easily converted into electricity during daylight hours. By using a storage tank or a hybrid fossil fuel system, CSP plants can provide clean and consistent electricity during non-daylight hours as well.

Abengoa Solar solutions

Abengoa Solar is involved with every stage of CSP technology.

Abengoa Solar	Tower plants
Develops... Builds... Operates...

Abengoa Solar is considered a pioneer in the field of solar tower technology. Their current installations demonstrate the enormous potential the technology has in the coming years. Much of Abengoa Solar designs much of its own proprietary technology. The structure used for CSP troughs, Solucar TR, was designed by Abengoa Solar NT, and the mirrors are manufactured at Abengoa Solar's Rioglass Solar factory.

The technology

Power tower systems use a field of heliostats that track the sun on 2 axes and reflect solar radiation toward a central tower. The tower houses a central receiver, where solar radiation is concentrated up to 600 and transferred to a superheated fluid. The fluid's heat is used to generate steam and operate an electricity-generating turbine.