The China-based Xiang Yang Institute (XYI) and Focused Sun of Las Cruces, N.M., are partnering to deploy solar microgrids for commercial and industrial and campus applications.
Startup Focused Sun specializes in concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems while XYI researches thermal storage and power generation technologies.
Under the concept, reflected solar energy heats mineral oil to 300 degrees C. The heated oil can be stored for up to a day and drive turbine generators, says Jihong Chen, dean of XYI.
Advocates for the technology say that for microgrids in the 100 kW to 10 MW range, CPV combined with thermal storage and steam turbines offer cost-effective electricity along with heat that can be used for a number of applications, including space heating, hot water and industrial processes.
For more information on how solar, storage and cogeneration technologies can benefit a wide variety of industries, see the Hybrid Energy Innovations event site here.
