Focusing on the Point. Automation Technology for Concentrating Solar Power Stations. The Drive & Control Company

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1 Focusing on the Point. Automation Technology for Concentrating Solar Power Stations The Drive & Control Company

2 2 Technology for Solar Thermal Power Stations Solar Thermal Power Stations: Hotline to the Sun Harnessing the world s largest renewable energy source with proven technology on a large scale: solar thermal power stations are opening up new possibilities for generating emission-free and economic electricity. They concentrate the solar energy onto a point or line, use this energy to heat a thermal medium, which then drives conventional thermal power machines. Technology has been passing the practical test since the Eighties. There are various concepts covering both centralized large power stations as well as decentralized units. Parabolic trough collector With all solar thermal plant a reflector concentrates the incident solar energy onto a defined point, enabling it to heat a thermal medium. Parabolic trough collectors and solar towers can attain median temperatures of between 400 and 1,200 Celsius, depending on the size of the reflector surface. They transfer this heat on to steam turbines via heat exchangers. After sunset heat accumulators or conventional power plant technology supply energy up until the next morning. Solar tower

3 3 Stirling dish systems consist of a parabolic dish, which due to its deflection heats the air at a point directly under a Stirling motor and then uses this to drive the motor. Due to its limited size, this parabolic dish is extremely suitable for decentralized energy generation. Parabolic trough collectors and solar towers can, on the other hand, be increased in size as required and these support the centralized energy supply by continually feeding in higher power. Whether parabolic trough collector, solar tower or Stirling dish: For the whole day the reflectors are optimally positioned to track the sun s position, thus forming a decisive parameter for a high degree of efficiency. Rexroth offers robust and maintenance-free adjusting systems for these. The solutions already proven in solar thermal systems ensure low life cycle costs for automation and also increase the economic efficiency of energy generation to a considerable degree. Stirling dish Fresnel Collector (Source: German Center for Aerospace Technology)

4 4 Technology for Solar Thermal Power Stations Hydraulic Adjusting Systems Hydraulic Adjusting Systems: Reliable Technology for Harsh Environments

5 5 Solar thermal power stations are suitable for latitudes between 35 degrees north and south of the equator. A harsh desert climate often prevails at these locations with the highest hours of annual sunshine: Large diurnal temperature ranges, heavy sandstorms and, in coastal areas a high level of salt content in the air causing corrosion. For automation components this constitutes an extreme challenge. The features of the hydraulics, robust, reliable and virtually maintenance-free, predestined this drive technology as the most suitable solution for reflector adjustment. Cylinders undertake precision movements in small steps. The direct linear power generation means that they can dispense with the need for wear-prone mechanical deflecting elements. The hydraulic medium serves simultaneously as a lubricant, thus reducing the maintenance required to virtually nil. Even with strong wind loads the hydraulics keeps the reflectors securely in position and without any additional power supply. Drive pylon with hydraulic cylinder and power unit

6 6 Technology for Solar Thermal Power Stations Application Centers Experience Counts: Customized Solutions Rexroth hydraulic adjusting systems have already withstood the most stringent endurance tests for the specific application and, for more than twenty years now, have been using the paraboloidal-type reflector in the first commercial solar thermal large power stations. Rexroth hydraulics have been tried and tested in the Californian Mojave Desert in the SEGS parabolic concentrator systems with an installed power of 354 Megawatt. Speaking the same language right from the start and knowing the particular challenges: In branchoriented application centers Rexroth combines its experience gained in similar applications. Many successful projects here even in extreme climatic zones demonstrate the reliability and durability of Rexroth automation solutions. The Rexroth project specialists combine this experience with the individual specifications of each project and, in collaboration with customers, develop complete automation solutions also for your solar thermal system. From the initial concept through to commissioning and possible retrofit later on Rexroth will support you over the complete life cycle of your installation. Furthermore, we are always in proximity to the customer: As Global Player Rexroth is represented in more than 80 countries worldwide. SEGS power stations

7 The Drive & Control Company Rexroth is unique. No other brand on the world market can offer its customers the full range of drive and control technologies, both on a specialized and integrated basis. This is one of the reasons why we are best-in-class on a worldwide basis when it comes to furnishing technological driving, controlling and motion solutions; a standard to be constantly confirmed by mastering new challenges. In more than 80 countries around the world, with about 30,000 employees. This is possible thanks to an infrastructure purposefully designed with partnership and customer proximity in mind. As a company Bosch Rexroth looks back on more than 200 years of tradition. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH, we are part of a globally operating technology group. All this is both our drive and our commitment. And it is unique just like Bosch Rexroth. The Drive & Control Company. Electric Drives and Controls Hydraulics Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies Pneumatics Service

8 Bosch Rexroth AG Hydraulics Zum Eisengießer Lohr, Germany Phone: +49(0)9352/18-0 Fax: +49(0)9352/ info.bri@boschrexroth.de Printed in Germany RE 08025/08.08