Performance of the Coolidge Solar Thermal Electric Power Plant

Energy performance and equipment evaluation results are presented for the grid-connected Coolidge solar thermal-electric power plant. Performance was determined for each of the major subsystems—line-focus collector array, thermal energy storage and 200 kW, organic Rankine cycle engine and generator. Day-long collector array efficiency was about 32, 26, and 9 percent in June, September, and December, respectively. Energy conversion efficiency was about 20 percent; electrical parasitics reduced this by 12 percent. Operation and maintenance required about 90 h/mo, only 20 percent requiring special skills or training. Operating supplies and repair services cost about $6300 per year. Major equipment problem catagories were fluid leakage and electric motor and electronic component failures. The presented operating data provide a basis for improved design and analysis.