Topic outline

  • Overview of Concentrated Solar Energy Technologies

    Credits: 6 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    In taking this course, the student will become familiar with several of the more proven concentrating solar power technologies presently on the market. Discussed will be the basic units commonly found in most types of CSP facilities: solar reflectors (mirrors), solar receivers, and solar tracking devices, along with their ancillary components.

    Discussed will be the primary application of using solar thermal heat for generating steam for turbine electrical power production. Other applications for concentrated solar are high thermal heat processes of a primary and secondary (or byproduct) nature, which are able to utilize the thermal output from these CSP systems.

    Topics:

    • Overview of CSP Solar Thermal Plant Technology
    • Solar Reflectors: Types of Mirrored or Reflective Solar Concentrators
    • Solar Heat Absorbers (Receivers)
    • Solar Tracking Devices
    • Heat Transfer Fluids (HTF)
    • Thermal Energy Storage Units (TES)
    • Components of the Steam Rankine Power Block
    • Use of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) in CSP Facilities
    • Pros and Cons of CSP
    • Secondary, or Byproduct Applications for CSP Thermal Heat Supply
    • Finding the most Ideal Geographic Locations for CSP Facility Sites
    • Summary of the Open and Enclosed Parabolic Trough System
    • Utilizing CSP in the Petroleum Industry for EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) Efforts
    • Utilizing CSP in Water Purification and Desalination Plants
    • Niche Markets: the MicroCSP system
    • Summary of LFR and CLFR systems
    • Characteristics of a Power Tower CSP Facility; and Solar Updraft Towers
    • Alternative CSP Technologies and Systems
    • Characteristics of (CPV) Concentrated Photovoltaic Systems
    • Cutting Edge Tech: Luminescent Solar Concentrators
    • The Stirling Dish Engine System
    • Thermodynamics: Power Cycles found in CSP applications

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
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    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.

    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

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    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for Electrical, Power, Energy, Civil, Mechanical, Structural, Environmental, and other engineers whose job description requires a general knowledge of concentrated solar energy technologies, principles and applications.
    Publication Source: Original Courseware by Donald W. Parnell, PE

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1