Oversized solar fields could revolutionize thermal energy storage in power plants!
The article explores using the solar field in parabolic trough solar power plants as a heat storage system by circulating heat transfer fluid. By oversizing the solar field, it can store more thermal energy. The researchers developed a model and ran simulations to find the best solar field configuration for maximizing thermal storage capacity while minimizing cost. The goal was to increase the efficiency of solar power plants by improving their ability to store and use thermal energy.