Solarthermal electricity generation in combination with biomass
In the frame of the EU Project REELCOOP a solar thermal power plant in the small range is being investigated in combination with biomass.
Researchers of the École Nationale des Ingénieurs de Tunis (ENIT) combine a parabolic trough collector field with biomass firing and a thermal storage. Equipped with 1.000 m² aperture area, the solar field powers a 60 kWel ORC turbine (organic rankine cycle).
The combionation of the solar field with a biomass furnace and a thermal storage provides an even greater flexibility. It enables the production of electricity from solar heat even in hours of direct sunlight. The aim of the project is to examine the possibilities of such a system for applications where both electricity and heat are needed. The Institute for Solar Research advises the project partners in the specification of the components and assists during commissioning and the subsequent data analysis.