Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST), is a technology in which sunlight is concentrated using mirrors to generate heat. In parabolic trough or linear Fresnel systems, solar radiation is concentrated onto a receiver tube located along the focal line. A heat transfer fluid flowing through this receiver absorbs the concentrated heat and transfers it to a consumer, e.g. a heat exchanger.
The use of solar energy is not a new concept, however unlike photovoltaic systems, CST technology delivers heat directly instead of electricity, resulting in a significantly higher overall system efficiency.
Heat integration is carried out by AURA´s Balance of Plant (BoP), which includes all components required in addition to the collector field, particularly heat exchangers, pumps and control systems. The BoP ensures safe, efficient and process-stable integration into existing heating systems.
CST systems offer unique advantages such as a very high thermal efficiency. However, designing the collector field and espacially integrating it into an existing consumer requires comprehensive technological expertise. At AURA, we rely on our proven know-how in the design and manufacturing of BoP systems. Particularly at temperatures of up to 430°C and high pressures, it is essential to ensure an efficient, reliable and safe solution. We offer prefabricated, turnkey systems to minimize installation work on site. Since the BoP is typically installed near the solar field in a harsch environment, we provide fully functional containerized systems that ensure reliable performance.
Since solar energy is not continuously available, it is often combined with thermal energy storage (TES). AURA´s Balance of Plant serves as the central interface for integrating TES, enabling the shift of energy generation during the day to energy consumption at night.
TES allows for optimized energy supply, avoids wasting available energy, and contributes to sustainability. Further details and information can be found in our section on thermal energy storage.
As part of the MODULUS project, six partners from industry and research collaborated with the goal of developing a modularized Balance of Plant that can be flexibly adapted to different projects thanks to standardized functional groups. Three projects have already been successfully implemented. The close cooperation with project partners has enabled us to push the boundaries of the technology further and develop tailer-made solutions.
