Abstract: Solar Energy--Central Receiver Program, Barstow Power Tower, California

Frank F. Duquette

A central-receiver solar thermal electric system is presently being developed for the United States Department of Energy. Part of this program includes a 10 Mw(e) pilot plant to be located at Barstow, California. The purpose of the pilot plant is to operate a system which demonstrates technical feasibility and provides an indication of system economics for the commercial-size system. The design consists of (1) centrally supported, low-cost heliostats, (2) an external single pass-to-superheat receiver, and (3) a sensible heat, thermocline-type thermal storage. In its commercial version, the system will be capable of producing 100 Mw(e) and is designed to accommodate peak to intermediate plant operational modes. The principal working medium is water-steam. The system is des gned for a 30-year operational life with a 90% plant availability goal.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90962©1978 AAPG 2nd Circum-Pacific Energy and Minerals Resource Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii