Aalborg CSP supplies CSP system for combined heat & power generation in Denmark

Aalborg CSP has announced that it has been selected to design and deliver a concentrated solar power (CSP) system to be integrated with a biomass-fueled organic rankine cycle (ORC) plantfor combined heat and power generation in Denmark. This will be the first large-scale system in the world to demonstrate how CSP with an integrated energy system design canoptimize efficiency of OR Ceven in areas with less sunshine.

Aalborg CSP in close collaboration with the Danish district heating plant (Brønderslev Forsyning) has carried out a comprehensive feasibility study on the potential to use concentrated solar power as an add-on to the biomass-ORC plant. Based on the positive findings, Aalborg CSP has been awarded the contract to develop and supply the 16.6 MWt CSP plantenabling production of heat and electricity within one carbon-free system.

The CSP plantwill consist of 40 rows of 125m parabolic trough loops with an aperture area of 26,929m².The parabolic troughs will collect the sunrays and reflect them onto a receiver pipe wherein a fluidis heated up to 330°C. This high temperature is able to drive an electric turbine to produce electricity, but the flexibility of the system also allows production of lower temperatures for district heating purposes. To maximize yield of energy, the waste heat will beutilized and sentto the district heating circuitwhereas electrical power will begenerated at peak price periods.

Aalborg CSP paves the way for CSP in northern Europe

Despite known to be a technology typically used in sunny desert areas, CSPalso has potential in the European climate when integrated with other technologies. Markets with well established district heating infrastructure oran existing base of ORC plants - such as Germany, Austria and Italy - can leverage theflexibility of CSP for combined heat and power generation. While the prices of different types of fuel fluctuate, concentrated solar energyproves to be a stable and efficientrenewable alternative in Europe.

“The project in Denmarkis yet another example of how the Aalborg CSP Integrated Energy System approach for combining fuel sources and multiple energy streams opens new markets where CSP creates value. Through close cooperation with the client in the feasibility study phase, we can unlock the black-box to create projectsin areas where otherwise it would not be possible” – says Svante Bundgaard, CEO of Aalborg CSP.

Danish technology growing in support

The achievement of the world’s first CSP system combined with a biomass-ORC plant is supported by the Danish Government’s EUDP national programme (Energiteknologisk Udviklings- og Demonstrationsprogram). The subsidy provides a substantial supportfor technology development thereby makingthe Aalborg CSP solution more competitive in export markets.

The system in Brønderslev is expected to go operational by the end of 2016 and final commercial operational date is expected in the middle of 2017.