19-th International Conference Materials, Methods &

Technologies, 26–30 iunie 2017, Elenite Holiday Village, Bulgaria

Solar power plant based on Stirling technology for sustainable energy generation with
optimized storage over an extended period
Gabriel Răsoi, Ioan Iordache, Dan Mocanu, Adrian Armeanu
INC-DTCSI-ICSI Rm. Valcea, Raureni, Uzinei Street No. 4, Post code 240050, Rm. Valcea, Romania
This paper presents a case study of a thermo-electrical system (CSP Dish Stirling) designed to produce electricity and heat, from renewable sources with low levels of pollution such as solar energy, which was developed and implemented within of a
research project.
Concentrating Power Plants based Stirling technology are designed for combined production of electrical and thermal energy, and represents an unique energetic and ecological equipment, which uses effectively renewable sources energy only.
Parabolic concentrator with mirror surface reflects solar radiation to the focal point where is the PCU - power conversion unit.
This system provides an annual period of about five months during the summer, heat and electricity from renewable energy, such as solar, and has the ability to store electrical energy over a long period, as chemical energy using the hydrogen that is
obtained through water electrolysis, and it will be used to generate energy when the weather conditions are not favourable for solar energy use.
The system features fully automatic controlling and positioning of the concentrator in two axis and meets the requirements in order to be built and engaged in harsh conditions.
The electrical energy can be used for immediate consumption, can be accumulated through battery system, or can be stored as hydrogen, which can be used at any time in the systems of fuel cells to produce electricity.

System Overview
• Robust and resistant concentrator‘s
construction diameter 8,5 m;
• Designed and verified by static and
engineer‘s office according to relevant Consumers
standards. Parabolic concentrator
(50kW/DNI>1000 W/m2) with reflective
surface Concentrator‘s axis height above
the ground level 5,3 m. Finished steel Solar Energy
construction - zinc coated. CSP unit total
weight: 5 000 Kg.
Hot water
• Raw concentrator surface is 58m2.
Geometric concentration ratio is 1150.
Focal length is 6 m.
CSP DISH STIRLING SUNFLOWER 35
• Segment specially shaped highly Thermal energy Automation and Solar System
reflectance precise mirrors. Positioning of
the concentrator and operating conditions
• Stirling heat engine 10 kWe (1500 storage tank Thermal energy control system batteries Storage
rpm), single action α modification,
position according to wind velocity.
swept volume 183 cm3, maximum
control system Electricity
• Maximum elevation positioning range -
efficiency is 25%. Thermal energy production
20° to 90°, azimuthal 30° to 330°. Variable
• Max output 10kWe + 25kWh (on storage Thermal energy Electricity Electricity
stabilized (parking).
• Positioning meets the requirements for
DNI 1000 W/m2),~400VAC/50Hz/3 Consumers
phases, IP55, min coolant temp.
safe operating in very demanding
• Working gas temperature 600-700°C,
conditions.
max. mean pressure 15 MPa, working
• Maximal allowed wind speed during
gas Helium, volume of motor oil 2
operation is 65 kmph (optionally 75 kmph)
litres. PCU weight: 500 kg. Control
in stable position is130 kmph (opt. 150
system with remote access50°C, output
kmph). Power Conversion Unit (PCU 35)
heat water 60°C.

ty
35 kW with Stirling Engine SBT V-183
• Automatic and manual control. Hot water

ic i
efficiency 25%.

c tr
Electricity

Ele
excedent PEM

Electricity
Hydrogen
Fuel-Cell Stack
Fuel-Cell Automation Hydrogen Hydrogen Electrolyser
System
Control Unit Storage System Compressor
Hydrogen Hydrogen Hydrogen Deionized water
Hydrogen
supply delivery compression supply
production

Number of cells................................................................48
Rated power.............................................................2000W
Rated Performance........................................28.8V@70A
Hydrogen supply valve voltage..................................12V
Electricity
Blower voltage...............................................................12V
Reactants...............................................Hydrogen and Air
Hydrogen pressure......................................0.45-0.55 Bar
Humidification............................................Self-humidified
Cooling...................................Air (integrated cooling fan)
Flow rate at max output.........................................26L/min Pressure hydrogen storage cylinders, 50 ELECTROLYTE: (PEM) Caustic - Free
Hydrogen purity.....................................≥99.995% dry H2 liters capacity, volume 10Nm3. Net Production Rate: 1.05 Nm3/hr
Start up time.........................≤30s (ambient temperature)
Efficiency of system.......................................40% @28.8V Nm3/hr @ 0° C, 1 bar, SCF/hr @ 70° F, 1
Low voltage protection..................................................24V atm, SCF/hr
Over current protection.................................................90A Delivery Pressure - Nominal 8 barg
Over temperature protection.......................................65°C Purity 99.995% (Water Vapor < 34 ppM
ppm, All Others Undetectable)
Temperature 5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F)
208 to 240VAC, single phase, 50/60 Hz
Conclusions꞉
This paper presents a case study of a research project that has been implemented, the main objective of which is the development of an integrated system for the production of electricity and heat from renewable sources of energy
with low levels of pollution, such as solar energy.
The case study analyzed in this paper shows that the development of such an energy system concept, consisting of a concentrated solar engine coupled with a Stirling engine based entirely on solar energy, can bring significant
benefits to securing energy in various distant areas.

Contact꞉ [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

 19-th International Conference Materials, Methods &
Technologies, 26–30 iunie 2017, Elenite Holiday Village, Bulgaria

Solar power plant based on Stirling technology for sustainable energy generation with
optimized storage over an extended period
Gabriel Răsoi, Ioan Iordache, Dan Mocanu, Adrian Armeanu
INC-DTCSI-ICSI Rm. Valcea, Raureni, Uzinei Street No. 4, Post code 240050, Rm. Valcea, Romania
This paper presents a case study of a thermo-electrical system (CSP Dish Stirling) designed to produce electricity and heat, from renewable sources with low levels of pollution such as solar energy, which was developed and implemented within of a
research project.
Concentrating Power Plants based Stirling technology are designed for combined production of electrical and thermal energy, and represents an unique energetic and ecological equipment, which uses effectively renewable sources energy only.
Parabolic concentrator with mirror surface reflects solar radiation to the focal point where is the PCU - power conversion unit.
This system provides an annual period of about five months during the summer, heat and electricity from renewable energy, such as solar, and has the ability to store electrical energy over a long period, as chemical energy using the hydrogen that is
obtained through water electrolysis, and it will be used to generate energy when the weather conditions are not favourable for solar energy use.
The system features fully automatic controlling and positioning of the concentrator in two axis and meets the requirements in order to be built and engaged in harsh conditions.
The electrical energy can be used for immediate consumption, can be accumulated through battery system, or can be stored as hydrogen, which can be used at any time in the systems of fuel cells to produce electricity.

Consumers

Solar Energy
Hot water

CSP DISH STIRLING SUNFLOWER 35

Thermal energy Automation and Solar System
storage tank Thermal energy control system batteries Storage
control system Electricity
Thermal energy production
storage Thermal energy Electricity Electricity
Consumers

ty
Hot water

ic i
c tr
Electricity

Ele
excedent PEM

Electricity
Hydrogen
Fuel-Cell Stack
Fuel-Cell Automation Hydrogen Hydrogen Electrolyser
System
Control Unit Storage System Compressor
Hydrogen Hydrogen Hydrogen Deionized water
Hydrogen
supply delivery compression supply
production

Electricity

Conclusions꞉
This paper presents a case study of a research project that has been implemented, the main objective of which is the development of an integrated system for the production of electricity and heat from renewable sources of energy
with low levels of pollution, such as solar energy.
The case study analyzed in this paper shows that the development of such an energy system concept, consisting of a concentrated solar engine coupled with a Stirling engine based entirely on solar energy, can bring significant
benefits to securing energy in various distant areas.

Contact꞉ [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

 19-th International Conference Materials, Methods &
Technologies, 26–30 iunie 2017, Elenite Holiday Village, Bulgaria

Solar power plant based on Stirling technology for sustainable energy generation with
optimized storage over an extended period
Gabriel Răsoi, Ioan Iordache, Dan Mocanu, Adrian Armeanu
INC-DTCSI-ICSI Rm. Valcea, Raureni, Uzinei Street No. 4, Post code 240050, Rm. Valcea, Romania
This paper presents a case study of a thermo-electrical system (CSP Dish Stirling) designed to produce electricity and heat, from renewable sources with low levels of pollution such as solar energy, which was developed and implemented within of a
research project.
Concentrating Power Plants based Stirling technology are designed for combined production of electrical and thermal energy, and represents an unique energetic and ecological equipment, which uses effectively renewable sources energy only.
Parabolic concentrator with mirror surface reflects solar radiation to the focal point where is the PCU - power conversion unit.
This system provides an annual period of about five months during the summer, heat and electricity from renewable energy, such as solar, and has the ability to store electrical energy over a long period, as chemical energy using the hydrogen that is
obtained through water electrolysis, and it will be used to generate energy when the weather conditions are not favourable for solar energy use.
The system features fully automatic controlling and positioning of the concentrator in two axis and meets the requirements in order to be built and engaged in harsh conditions.
The electrical energy can be used for immediate consumption, can be accumulated through battery system, or can be stored as hydrogen, which can be used at any time in the systems of fuel cells to produce electricity.

Consumatori Consumatori
Energie
Apa calda solara
Electricitate
CSP DISH STIRLING SUNFLOWER 35 Sistem control si
Boiler stocare automatizarea
Sistem stocare
enetgie termica Sistem control proceselor
Stocare Producere baterii solare
energie termica energie
energie Producere
termica electrica Electricitate
energie termica

ic a
ctr
el e
Apa calda

gi e
Energie

Electricitate
er
En
electrica
Sistem pile Electrolizor
Sistem automatizare Sistem stocare Compresor hidrogen PEM
de combustie
Pile de combustie hidrogen hidrogen
Alimentare Furnizare Comprimare Producere Alimentare apa
hidrogen hidrogen hidrogen hidrogen deionizata

Energie electrica

Conclusions꞉
This paper presents a case study of a research project that has been implemented, the main objective of which is the development of an integrated system for the production of electricity and heat from renewable sources of energy
with low levels of pollution, such as solar energy.
The case study analyzed in this paper shows that the development of such an energy system concept, consisting of a concentrated solar engine coupled with a Stirling engine based entirely on solar energy, can bring significant
benefits to securing energy in various distant areas.

Contact꞉ [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

 4. Hybrid energy system components

• Thermal energy production system

- Thermal heating generator based on fuel wood and biomass is used to produce heat for
the greenhouse needs.
This equipment has a nominal heat output of 38kW, works very effectively gasification
has a low fuel consumption, and shows superior performance on the performance of work,
which is up to 93%.
From thermal calculation performed, it results that this model of power with thermal
power of 38 kW is sufficient to provide the energy requirements of the greenhouse at a
rate of up to 70%, considering that its use is done mainly in winter.
- Thermal solar collectors panels with vacuum tubes, which are a great alternative to
produce hot water using solar energy in summer.
The total area is 3.5 m², P max.=1260 kWh, 666.34 kWh/m² (63 kWh /tube), 67% optical
efficiency, maximum temperature 239°C.
Using thermal solar panels for a period of 4-6 months per year, in the greenhouse can
achieve significant savings on heat production.
Mixed hybrid heating system based on solar-hydrogen energy and biomass allows a saving
of up to 30% of annual fuel used for heating and domestic hot water.
 4. Hybrid energy system components

• Electrical and thermal energy storage system

- Mixed boiler for heating and storage hot water, with a capacity of 500l and thermal
energy storage power up to 42 kWh.
- Pressure hydrogen storage cylinders, 50 liters capacity, volume 10Nm3.
- Solar batteries with gel solution, U=12V, I=200Ah, are designed for photovoltaic systems
and kits and used innovative technology ''Absorbent Glass Mat''to store electricity.
In Figure 4 is revealed a combined thermal power system.

Fig. 4. Combined thermal power system

 5. Hybrid energy concept. A case study

A schematic diagram of the hybrid energy concept system proposed for the research, it is
shown in figure 5.

Fig. 5. Diagram of a hybrid energy concept

 6. Sustainable greenhouse concept

A sustainable greenhouse concept system based on renewable resources, it is shown in

figure 6.

Fig. 6. Sustainable greenhouse concept

 7. Biogas system concept

In the event that are conditions for biogas production to complement the energy
requirement of the greenhouse, can also be integrated a small system to produce the fuel
gas by decomposing organic matter.
In figure 7 is presents a biomass processing system through chemical fermentation
reactions that produce biogas.

Fig. 7. Schematic diagram of the biogas system

The use of biogas in the agricultural greenhouses, providing heat and electricity, is one of
the most effective solutions to ensure their sustainability.
 8. Conclusions and perspectives

• This paper presents the case study of a research project in progress, which has as main
objective development of an integrated for the production of heat and electricity, a bio-
organic emissions, using renewable sources with low polluting.
• The case study analyzed in this paper, reveals that the development of a concept of
sustainable greenhouse, which has an integrated energy system hybrid, based exclusively
on renewable sources such as solar power, hydrogen energy, biomass and biogas can bring
significant benefits on agricultural development and economic growth, by reducing energy
consumption, increase security of supply and environmental protection.
• In order to reduce production costs, it is necessary to implement a hybrid thermal power
based on renewable designed and dimensioned according to requirements so that by
contributing to this system, the production costs to be reduced significantly, considering
that heating accounts for about 30% of total energy used in the greenhouse.
• Further development of fuel cell systems could allow the development of a "hydrogen
economy" based on clean technologies and environmentally friendly, the production of
energy.
• Hydrogen is a clean energy vector, which is likely to be the main source of clean energy
in the near future.
 Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the support provided by the research team of the
National Project "Stationary energy sources with fuel cell for bio-organic farming in
greenhouses"-FC-Farm, PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1102, regarding access to the documentary
study, for this work to be developed.

Thank you for you attention!

Contact꞉ [email protected]
Tel: 0250/732744
National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies – ICSI,
Rm.Valcea, Uzinei Street, No. 4, Romania