Introduction to Concentrated Solar Power

Armando Fontalvo
March 6, 2024

1 Overview
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) is a renewable energy technology that uses
mirrors or lenses to concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a small area. This
concentrated light is then used to generate heat or electricity. CSP systems
can be categorized based on the type of concentrator used, such as parabolic
troughs, solar power towers, or dish collectors.

2 Working Principle
The working principle of CSP involves concentrating sunlight using mirrors or
lenses onto a receiver, where the concentrated energy is converted into heat.
This heat is then used to generate steam, which drives a turbine connected to
a generator to produce electricity.

3 Advantages of CSP
CSP offers several advantages, including:
• Abundant solar resource availability in many regions
• Energy storage capability for dispatchable power generation
• Potential for large-scale electricity production
• Minimal water usage compared to other power generation technologies

4 Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite its advantages, CSP faces challenges such as high initial costs, intermit-
tency, and land use requirements. However, ongoing research and development
efforts aim to overcome these challenges and improve the efficiency and cost-
effectiveness of CSP systems. With advancements in technology and supportive
policies, CSP has the potential to play a significant role in the transition to
clean energy.