Leading-edge cooperative advances towards the next generation of concentrated solar power (CSP) technology

ongoing

COOPERANT is at the forefront of advancing the next generation of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies by tackling typical limitations of conventional CSP facilities, such as operation at high temperatures, dispatchability, cost-effectiveness and sustainability. COOPERANT's innovations are paving the way for the uninterrupted generation of green solar power that is both dispatchable and economically viable, breaking the dependency on solar radiation. Working at high temperatures (~1000ºC) is crucial to increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness; however, harsh operating conditions present significant challenges in terms of material availability, corrosion, system design and performance limitations. In alignment with the SET-Plan for CSP, the proposal incorporates three cutting-edge solutions at technological, digital and transference levels, that synergistically cooperate to address them: -COOPERANT CSP-TES system: a groundbreaking concept showcasing a high-performance volumetric solar receiver with custom-designed cellular morphology coupled with a hybrid packed-bed Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system. Enhanced phase-change materials and solid-state mixtures will be formulated and characterised to serve as high-temperature storage mediums. Heat transfer enhancement and containment techniques will be applied to ensure operation safety and long-lasting durability. -COOPERANT-AI TOOL: including real-time monitoring, reinforced learning-based control, scalability and replicability features. A holistic orchestration by sophisticated artificial intelligence digital tools to assist with feasibility, replicability, and scalability paths towards commercialisation. -COOPERANT-TRANSFER: a knowledge transference programme with a multi-stakeholder approach, engaging closely with the industrial sphere through the Stakeholder Replicability Board (SRB), enlisting key partners focused on dispatchable clean energy, solar fuels generation and industrial applications.