An innovative concentrated solar power system driven by high-temperature cascade organic Rankine cycle

Direct steam generation (DSG) solar power systems eliminate synthetic oils and molten salts in the field enable efficient heat collection. Commercial DSG plants usually have a temperature of 250–285 °C to reduce technical challenges wet turbines costs high-pressure water storage tanks. The conversion efficiency is relatively low due limited temperature. This paper proposes high-temperature system driven by cascade organic Rankine cycle (CORC). It has three features: water/steam for transfer, phase change material (PCM) storage, CORC conversion. first time that tank independent DSG. Steam can be generated at 310 or even 370 °C. fundamental innovative illustrated. thermodynamic performances during normal operation discharge processes are investigated. results show maximum thermal mode 32.85% 311 °C, while top bottom efficiencies 15.38% 20.86%, respectively. increases more than 37% Combining two-tank PCM unit overcome problems decreasing release rate from maintaining system's output prolonging time. proposed potentially cost-effective existing plants.