Solar thermal power plants

In use for 20 years

: Functional principle of the parabolic trough

Parabolic trough power plants have already been operated commercially for more than 20 years. Solar power plants in California have been feeding power into the grid since 1985. Solar Millennium developed the first parabolic trough power plants in Europe with its subsidiary Flagsol. The Andasol 1 and Andasol 2 projects, in which Solar Millennium is involved, are currently being constructed in southern Spain.

A proven principle

: Generating power in a solar power station

In parabolic trough power plants, electricity is generated by means of a steam turbine and an attached generator, using the same components as those in fossil-fuelled power plants. However, the steam required is not generated by burning fossil fuels, but by using solar power. Trough-shaped mirrors concentrate the incidental rays of the sun onto an absorber pipe along the focal line of the collector, heating the thermo oil contained in the pipe. Steam is generated by means of a heat exchanger.

Operation round the clock: Parabolic trough power plants supply most power when most power is needed. But thermal storage units enable them also to supply electricity when the sun is not shining.

No fuel costs ever again: The costs for generating power in parabolic trough power plants are currently still higher than in conventional power plants, but considerably lower than in photovoltaic plants. As prices for oil and gas increase, solar thermal power plants will become more economically attractive. At the same time, the costs for operation and maintenance are significantly lower than for conventional power plants because the largest cost pool, i.e. fuel, does not exist. As soon as the initial investment has been amortized, solar power plants are disproportionately cost-effective.

MAN Solar Millennium: MAN Solar Millennium is a 50-50 joint venture between MAN Ferrostaal and Solar Millennium. The competencies of the two partners for developing, financing and building large solar thermal power plants are combined within this company. Parabolic trough technology is mainly used for these projects. It has proved itself in practice and is financed by banks.

Technology of the future with a track record: parabolic trough technology

In use for 20 years

A proven principle