Integrated Hydrogen Storage and CSP Solution

Thermal solar energy capture via CSP, thermal energy storage, and electricity & hydrogen production

General Description

The CSP–Storage–Hydrogen system uses concentrated solar power as the primary clean heat source. With parabolic or Fresnel collectors, solar radiation is converted into thermal energy to heat working fluids such as thermal oil or molten salts, enabling thermal storage and continuous supply of thermal energy and steam 24/7.

The system can use heat directly for industrial processes, achieving an efficiency of 40% to 50%, or convert it into electricity via steam turbines with an efficiency of 22% to 25%. Meanwhile, it integrates green hydrogen production through electrolysis powered by stable thermal and electrical energy, realizing efficient coupling among solar, thermal, electric and chemical energy.

Compared with traditional CSP plants, the integration of the hydrogen module greatly improves the operational flexibility and economic viability of the system. It is especially suitable for cold or high-altitude regions, remote areas, large-scale energy projects and industrial applications with high thermal demand.

Central System Composition

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  1. CSP Collector Field:
    Parabolic trough or Fresnel solar collectors with high-precision single-axis tracking, a concentration ratio of 70–80x and a capture efficiency of 60%–65%.
  2. Thermal Energy Storage System:
    Molten salt storage with a two-tank configuration (binary mixture: 60% NaNO₃ + 40% KNO₃), operating range from 290 °C to 565 °C, and 8–12 hours of thermal autonomy.
  3. Heat Exchanger and Steam Generation System:
    Oil-salt heat exchangers and steam generators that convert high-temperature thermal energy into superheated steam for power generation or industrial use.
  4. Turbine and Power Generation System:
    Reheat condensing turbine unit, main steam parameters between 380 °C and 395 °C at 100–120 bar, with a conversion efficiency of 22% to 25%.
  5. Hydrogen Production System:
    Electrolysis powered by stable renewable energy for continuous green hydrogen production.
  6. Auxiliary Systems:
    Backup electric heating for freeze protection, air-cooled condenser for arid or water-scarce regions, and auxiliary boiler for startup and periods of low solar irradiance.

Technical Parameters

 

Parameter

Specification

CSP Capture Efficiency60%–65% (Parabolic trough and Fresnel systems)
Direct Heating Efficiency40 %–50 %
Thermoelectric Conversion Efficiency22%–25% (reheat cycle)
Thermal Storage Duration8–12 hours (adjustable)
Molten Salt Operating Temperature290 °C–565 °C
Salt CompositionBinary Nitrate (60% NaNO₃ + 40% KNO₃)
Main Steam Parameters380 °C–395 °C / 100–120 bar
Cooling SystemAir cooling (for arid or water-scarce regions)
Maximum Receiver Temperatureup to 600 °C (TRX aerospace-grade coating)
Concentration Ratio70–80x
Tracking Precision≤0.1°

Main Advantages

High Thermal Efficiency

Capture efficiency of 60%–65% and direct heating efficiency of 40%–50%, outperforming conventional CSP systems.

Long-duration Energy Storage with High Stability

Molten salt system with 8–12 hours of thermal autonomy, ensuring continuous operation even without solar irradiation.

Advanced Multi-energy Coupling

Integration of heat, electricity and hydrogen production within a single system, optimizing overall energy performance and improving project profitability.

Application Scenarios

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Large-scale national energy projects for grid support and continuous energy supply

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Integrated heating and hydrogen supply for industrial parks, featuring high operational stability and energy efficiency

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Centralized urban heating systems for cold and high-altitude regions, ensuring continuous and reliable thermal supply

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Large-scale hydrogen production, storage and distribution centers for energy infrastructure and clean mobility

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