Over the course of the testing period, PS20 surpassed the predicted power output, thus further validating the potential of power tower technology. PS20 features a number of technological improvements with respect to PS10, the first commercial power tower.
The enhancements for PS20, developed by Abengoa Solar, include a higher-efficiency receiver, various improvements in the control and operational systems, and a better thermal energy storage system. Plant construction was carried out by Abener.
Power generated from the new PS20 will avoid the emission of around 12,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere that a conventional power plant would have produced.
Each heliostat, with a surface area of 1,291 square feet, reflects the solar radiation it receives onto the receiver, located on the top of a 531 feet-high tower, producing steam which is converted into electricity generation by a turbine.
Abengoa Solar is focused on the development and application of technology for generating electricity using the power of the sun.
According to Santiago Seage, chief executive officer of Abengoa Solar, Generating more power during production testing than the design output is indeed a significant milestone. The technological breakthroughs we have achieved, coupled with our cumulative expertise, have enabled us to take a qualitative leap forward in our power tower technology.
