The key differences between the various types of solar thermal power plants primarily arise from the specific design and functionality of their mirror systems. These differences significantly impact efficiency, investment costs, maintenance requirements, and operational reliability. Tower Power Plants Tower power plants utilize heliostats - freestanding, individually positioned mirrors that precisely track the sun and focus sunlight onto a central solar receiver located at the top of a tower. Each heliostat requires a highly complex and sensitive mechanical and control system to achieve the necessary precision. Given the large number of heliostats in such power plants, the investment, installation, and maintenance costs are exceptionally high. Additionally, cleaning heliostats is labor-intensive, as their reflective surfaces are prone to soiling and require meticulous upkeep to maintain optical performance. This cleaning process is particularly challenging in desert regions, as it consumes vast amounts of water and resources. Parabolic Trough Power Plants Parabolic trough power plants use large, curved parabolic mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a centrally positioned absorber tube. However, these mirror structures are highly fragile and susceptible to deformation caused by strong desert winds, necessitating frequent recalibration to maintain optimal sunlight concentration. The curved mirror surfaces are heavy and challenging to clean, with water consumption for cleaning being significantly high. Like heliostats, parabolic mirrors are vulnerable to sandstorms, as they cannot avoid exposure to wind and abrasive sand, leading to potential damage and reduced efficiency. Fresnel Mirror Systems In contrast to the complex and delicate systems of tower and parabolic trough power plants, Fresnel mirror systems employ a simple yet highly robust linear design. These mirrors are flat and have a significantly smaller wind-exposed surface area. In the event of a sandstorm, the mirrors can automatically rotate into a protective position, typically used for nighttime operation. This capability minimizes damage and ensures high operational reliability even under extreme desert conditions. The DESERT-VISION Mirror Field The DESERT-VISION mirror system represents a state-of-the-art advancement in Fresnel mirror technology. It is designed to be extremely durable, with the added benefit that individual mirrors can be replaced within minutes in the event of damage. This design ensures maximum system availability and extends the operational lifespan of the mirror field to nearly unlimited levels. The system also boasts low maintenance requirements and a simplified cleaning process, making it highly cost-effective. Unified Plant Technology, Distinct Mirror Designs The core technology of all solar thermal power plants - comprising absorbers, heat exchangers, steam turbines, and energy storage systems - is largely identical. The defining differences between the various plant types lie in their mirror technologies. These distinctions, however, are critical in determining the economic viability, operational reliability, and environmental sustainability of the respective power plants. Fresnel mirror technologies, as implemented in the DESERT-VISION system, provide an exceptionally reliable and sustainable solution, setting a new benchmark in the field of solar thermal power generation.

DESERT-VISION Linear-Mirror Fully automatically produced