Concentrating solar power works by focusing the sun’s energy and creating heat. This heat is then used to power conventional generators in much the same way that steam generates electricity. There are three main types of CSP: parabolic troughs, power towers, and dish motor systems.
parabolic trough: In this type of system, solar collectors reflect and concentrate sunlight onto a receiver. Along the side of the canal is a pipe that contains a liquid, usually some type of oil. This heated fluid then goes through a conventional steam generator to produce electricity.
A collector field is created when these CSPs are placed in rows. These CSPs are then free to move to follow the sun and maximize their efficiency. Parabolic troughs are currently hybrid systems that use fossil fuels during the hours of absence of the sun.
power towers: A power tower uses mirrors called heliostats that track the sun and reflect the concentrated rays to a reflector at the bottom of the pole. Sunlight then heats a transfer fluid such as oil, which in turn powers a turbine generator.
Some models use molten nitrate salt because it is a superior heat transfer medium to oil.
Platter motor systems: These systems burn sunlight instead of coal or gas to produce electricity. The solar concentrator and the power conversion unit are the two main components of this system.
The solar concentrator collects sunlight and concentrates it on a receiver. The surface of the concentrator is a reflective glass mirror that reflects approximately 92% of sunlight.