Solar Thermodynamic

Turboden ORC enables the production of electricity from solar energy through the process of "thermodynamic conversion". This process uses mirrors to take advantage of solar radiations to produce heat.

Advantages of ORC in Solar Applications

Compared to photovoltaic conversion systems, the thermodynamic conversion has some important advantages:

  • It allows to use simpler, possibly locally produced, concentrating collectors;
  • It is possible to accumulate the heat for delayed use, e.g. it is possible to accumulate heat during the day for evening or night use.
  • The heat downstream from the conversion system can be further used for heating or cooling (in an absorption chiller) purposes.

Compared to conventional thermodynamic plants, where heat is converted to electricity through a standard steam powerplant (typical steam solar systems are 50MWel covering 200 hectares), Turboden ORC technology offers these advantages:

  • It allows good results at smaller scale, such as 2MW and 8 hectares;
  • The compact size of the Turboden ORC unit makes it easier to detect the right location, obtain the necessary authorizations, establish the electrical connection, access the financing and realize the plant in a shorter period of time.
  • High reliability and easy operation and maintenance

Our Experience

Since our first ORC solar unit built in Perth (Australia) in 1984, we have continuously studied and improved the technology. Today, Turboden is partner in the "SOLAR" project, funded by the Italian government with 15.7 million Euros, a public-private lab for developing innovative technologies in the spread generation of electric power from thermodynamic solar energy, in cooperation with various Italian universities, companies and Research centers.

Is it suitable for you?

The potential for Turboden ORC is huge. Solar energy is highly available in the Mediterranean, India, China and right across the southern hemisphere. Needing only 4 hectares of terrain for a 1 MWel plant, our plants are easy to plan and build.

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