Solar trough CSP process in Concentrated Solar Power CSP power plant

Heat transfer fluid (usually thermal oil) runs through a tube in the focal point of the parabolic mirror to absorb the concentrated sunlight. This increases the temperature of the fluid to some 400 °C. The heat transfer fluid is then transferred to a steam generator to provide steam to a steam turbine. Part of the heat is used to liquefy salts: this stored heat is used to continue the electricity production, after sunset.

As in any power plant there are numerous measurements used to control the process and maintain its safety. KROHNE provides a complete portfolio of measurement solutions for concentrated solar power generation and can refer on field proven products and solutions with numerous references including temperature, (differential) pressure, level and flow. Flow measurement of the heat transfer fluid and the molten salt at high temperatures requires the OPTISONC 4400 ultrasonic flowmeters, which can cope with temperatures up to 700 °C, fast changing temperatures and a wide range of media properties, including inhomogeneity and stratification in the flow. OPTIBAR pressure measurement of molten salt with flush mounted diaphragm systems suitable for high temperatures and harsh process conditions. Accurate flow measurement of heat transfer fluids with good long term stability is essential to optimise the power plant performance, to get the maximum return out of the assets. The long experience KROHNE has obtained with the application of ultrasonic flow measurement in both liquid salts and thermal oil at numerous CSP installations provides the guarantee for reliable and economic operation, covering all process phases from cold/warm start through to peak power production.