Patent ID: 9003795
Filing Date: 2015-04-14
Classification: F24S,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A solar steam system comprising: an upstream solar receiver configured to subject pressurized water flowing therein to an insolation-driven phase change to produce pressurized steam; a downstream solar receiver in fluid communication with the upstream solar receiver and configured to use insolation directed thereon to superheat the pressurized steam from the upstream solar receiver; a steam turbine coupled to receive a flow of steam exiting from the downstream solar receiver and configured to be driven by superheated steam; a plurality of heliostats configured to re-direct insolation onto the upstream solar receiver or the downstream solar receiver; and a control apparatus for regulating at least one of flow and insolation properties of the solar steam system, the control apparatus being configured to respond to a diminishing insolation event by re-aiming at least some of the plurality of heliostats to effect a net migration of heliostats from aiming at the downstream solar receiver to aiming at the upstream solar receiver so as to reduce an extent of superheating in the downstream solar receiver while the steam turbine continues to be driven by steam that is further heated after exiting the downstream solar receiver en route to the steam turbine.