Installation of a Concentrated Solar Power System for the Thermal Needs of Buildings or Industrial Processes

Solar energy is one of the main alternatives to carbon-intensive sources of energy. However, limited attention has been devoted to small-scale (<10 kW) concentrated solar power systems, which are capable to provide high-temperature heat to buildings or industrial processes. In this work, we describe the concentrated solar power system (7.4 kW thermal power) with dual axis solar tracker installed at Politecnico di Torino. The solar concentrator system is coupled to a sensible heat storage by a plate heat exchanger. Here, we provide preliminary data on the system efficiency and compare it to typical values obtained by flat plates or evacuated tubes collectors. The generated high-temperature thermal power is suitable for both domestic hot water, heating and cooling, and industrial purposes.