Beyond the grid: the promise of solar concentration for non-electrical energy generation

Harry Apostoleris; Matteo Chiesa

doi:10.1117/12.2530146

9 September 2019 Beyond the grid: the promise of solar concentration for non-electrical energy generation

Harry Apostoleris, Matteo Chiesa

Proceedings Volume 11120, Nonimaging Optics: Efficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration XVI; 111200G (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2530146
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2019, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

As electricity from both photovoltaics and concentrating solar power has become dramatically more affordable in the last several years, the prospect of converting entire national electrical grids to run almost entirely on renewable energy has become feasible in any location with a strong solar resource. However, focusing only on the electric grid neglects the large portion of our energy usage which is thermal rather than electrical. One frequently proposed solution has been to simply electrify all thermal processes, for example in heavy industry, space and water heating. We suggest that the direct use of solar heat for thermal processes enables savings in terms of energy loss, land usage and dollar cost. Focusing on the requirements of heavy industry, desalination and long-distance heat transport, we identify the current and future potential of efficient collection, use and distribution of solar heat to extend the ongoing renewable revolution beyond the grid.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Harry Apostoleris and Matteo Chiesa "Beyond the grid: the promise of solar concentration for non-electrical energy generation", Proc. SPIE 11120, Nonimaging Optics: Efficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration XVI, 111200G (9 September 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2530146

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available