“Sometimes they come back” it could be the title of the saga dedicated to the events of thermodynamic solar in our country.
The thermodynamic solar (also said CSP, Concentrating Solar Power) is a renewable energy source that uses mirrors (or even lenses) to focus the sun’s rays onto pipes containing a fluid. As this fluid heats up, it generates steam, which in turn turns a turbine to produce electricity. One of the immediately obvious advantages compared to photovoltaics is the possibility of storing the heat collected during the day in tanks, allowing electricity to be produced even at night or when the sun is not shining. This makes the technology capable of guaranteeing constant energy production.
This is an entirely Made in Italy technology, developed byAENEAS at the beginning of this century, which however has not found enough supporters over the years. After a short period of great hopes, with the opening of the integrated biomass thermodynamic solar power plant in Sicily, about four years ago ANEST, the National Thermodynamic Solar Energy Association, made its dissolution official
Italy, which develops patents in the thermodynamic sector that the world envies us, does not want thermodynamic solar energy
thundered Gianluigi Angelantoni, CEO of Angelantoni Industrie SpA and then President of the Association, declaring Italian failure on thermosolar, due to the lack of regulations necessary for its development.
Meanwhile, thermodynamic solar has resurfaced in the pages of FER decree 2published by MASE last summer. But what are the differences compared to photovoltaic?
The thermodynamic solar it requires large spaces for the power plants, with high exposure to the sun, and the initial investments for installation are significant. However, as already mentioned, it offers the advantage of accumulation and continuity, which photovoltaics cannot guarantee without batteries.
On the other hand, the photovoltaic it directly transforms sunlight into electricity, is extremely versatile and offers numerous innovative solutions: it is possible to install panels on the roofs of houses, agricultural land or even on floating structures, so it is suitable for both small domestic systems and large power plants. It is easy to install and requires little maintenance, but the main disadvantage is that it only works when there is direct sunlight.
As always, when it comes to renewables, there is no “winning” technology over another, but the resources available must be considered. In summary, between thermodynamic solar and photovoltaic, the main differences are that the former is more suitable for large-scale systems in well-sunny areas, while the latter is also suitable for residential solutions. Nonetheless, the thermodynamic, despite having higher installation costs, has the possibility of storing heat and therefore offering continuity in energy production.
Source: FER
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