Imagine using sunlight to power entire cities – not with solar panels, but with mirrors that create enough heat to generate steam for electricity. That's exactly what trough solar thermal power generation systems achieve.
There are two primary technologies used in solar thermal energy storage: parabolic troughs and solar power towers. Each technology employs a slightly different method of concentrating solar energy, yet both achieve the primary objective of converting solar energy to thermal energy.
Thermal energy storage (TES) can reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by over 30%. CSP plants utilize TES to mitigate solar energy intermittency and improve reliability.
Solar thermal systems typically offer higher energy efficiency compared to solar PV, as they directly convert sunlight into heat. Additionally, they often require less roof space and have lower upfront costs, making them an attractive option for many.
Here, we conduct a trade-off analysis of key technologies via a multi-dimensional quantitative evaluation system and propose an evolutionary framework that combines these diverse technological pathways with a phased development blueprint for the lunar base.