International.
The Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE) of Spain carried out a technical-economic feasibility study on the incorporation of concentrated solar energy in thermal applications, specifically in centralized district heating and cooling networks.
This analysis is presented as a continuation of the previous study carried out by the IDAE: "Analysis of the potential and opportunities for the integration of solar thermal energy in heat networks. The great networks of Barcelona".
The IDAE assures that the development of concentrating solar technology has been driven in recent years by the increase in solar thermal power generation plants. Despite this development, there are currently few concentrated solar installations for thermal applications in Spain, which mainly meet the heat demand of industrial processes or air conditioning of buildings.
The application of these technologies in thermal uses has great development potential in that country, where in certain regions the availability of direct solar irradiation is very high. The objective of this study is to expand knowledge about the use of concentrated solar energy in thermal applications in general, and especially in air conditioning networks, test its viability and promote its incorporation.
For the analysis, the IDAE chose a reference network whose geographical location presents favorable direct solar irradiation conditions (province of Jaén). The results obtained allow us to conclude that the incorporation of concentrated solar installations in air conditioning networks is a viable and attractive alternative that is competitive at a technical and economic level.
To know the analysis of potential and opportunities for integration of solar thermal energy in air conditioning networks, you can click here.
