Heat Transfer Fluids Used in Concentrating Solar Thermal Technologies

Abstract

Heat transfer fluids are critical components for storing and transferring thermal energy in concentrating solar thermal technologies. Therefore, they play a key role in the overall performance and efficiency of the solar thermal electricity (STE) plants. Since a large amount of heat transfer fluid is required to operate a STE plant, it is necessary to minimise its cost while maximising its performance. In this context, this chapter aims to analyse by CFD simulation the influence of using different heat transfer fluids in solar receivers in order to improve the overall efficiency of the STE plant.