Solar Trigeneration: Electricity, Cooling and Steam from the Sun

Abstract

To reach an energy supply structure that is based on 100 % renewable energies, without nuclear or carbon capture technology, is an ambitious intention that has to be reached step by step. The Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources published a Strategic Plan until 2014 [1] to reach a 30 % share of renewable energy sources in the electricity supply, namely wind and geothermal energy. Turkey also is an emerging market for solar energy, as it shows the best values of solar irradiation in Europe.

Electricity from the sun can be supplied not only by the commonly known technologies such as photovoltaics or concentrating solar power (CSP), but also in a combined cycle that generates several kinds of energies in one solar thermal plant, and at the same time, which is worldwide novelty. The solar trigeneration combines the generation of electricity, cooling and heat and can supply either in the operation mode that energy which is required from the consumer at the given time or in that way that offers the best economics. This solar energy supply concept enables a much better integration of solar energy and at higher economical profits, which means a significant step towards a 100 % renewable structure.