Technology
An environmentally friendly technology
The Llo solar power plant is a Fresnel-type thermodynamic concentration solar power plant with energy storage. Its Fresnel concentrators produce steam which drives a turbine and generates decarbonised electricity. With a capacity of 9 MW of electricity and thermal energy storage, it produces electricity during the day and also part of the night.
The Llo thermodynamic solar power plant uses “Fresnel mirror” technology. This technology is based on concentrating solar rays, reflected using mirrors on a tube in which water is circulating. This receiver tube is placed 10 metres above the ground. Under the heat effect, the water circulating in the receiver tube is transformed into steam.
The steam is then sent to:
- a turbine, in order to produce electricity that is sent directely to the national grid,
- or to storage tanks, which will enable electricity to be produced during low level of sun irradiation and also at night.
The steam can be used in industrial processes requiring a heat source. It can also be used to produce cool or cold water.
Water efficient cleaning robots
The mirrors are controlled by a remote centralised drive system, with cleaning provided by robots.
SUNCNIM has developed the energy storage system and cleaning robots. They allow a high level of mirror reflectivity to be maintained, with cleanliness ensuring optimum performance of the installation.
Water consumption required for cleaning the mirrors by robots: on average, 1 litre of water per sqm per year.
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