WO2021091396A1

WO2021091396A1 - Concentrated solar power system

Info

Publication number: WO2021091396A1
Application number: PCT/NO2020/050272
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tihomir Sic; Vladimir SIC; Marko PETROVIC; Marko JUROSEVIC; Vlado Petrovic
Original assignee: Andric, Milos
Priority date: 2019-11-07
Filing date: 2020-11-05
Publication date: 2021-05-14
Also published as: NO20191324A1; NO346227B1

Abstract

A concentrated solar power system (101; 201; 301; 401), comprising;a solar concentrator (102; 402) configured for adjustment in a vertical angle (α);the solar concentrator (102; 402) being provided on a rotatable platform (107; 207; 307; 407) for adjusting a horizontal angle (β);a solid thermal energy storage medium (505) provided in a thermal energy storage facility (104; 204; 304; 404);the thermal energy storage facility (104; 204; 304; 404) comprising an inlet (111; 211; 311; 411) and an outlet (114; 214; 314; 414) for a working fluid;where a portion (109; 409) of the solid thermal energy storage medium (505) is exposed such that sunlight (L2) reflected from the solar concentrator (102; 402) directly strikes the exposed portion (109; 409) of the solid thermal energy storage medium (505);the thermal energy storage facility (104; 204; 304; 404) comprises a gate (117) for sealing the exposed portion (109; 409) of the solid thermal energy storage medium (505).

Description

CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a concentrated solar power system. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a concentrated solar power system as defined in the introductory parts of claim 1.

BACKGROUND

Concentrated solar power (CSP) systems generate solar power by collecting and concentrating sunlight from a large area using mirrors or lenses. A CSP system typically comprises concentrators, receivers, thermal storages and power blocks.

The concentrators, also called collectors, are the mirrors or lenses that focus sunlight onto a receiver. The sunlight heats the receiver, and heat is commonly transported by a liquid from the receiver to the thermal storage. At the thermal storage, a working fluid is heated and used to generate power such as electrical power using a power block, or the thermal energy may be stored for later use, e.g. during a consumption peak.

However, solar technologies present a number of technical challenges. Firstly, the sun is a constantly moving target in the sky, and tracking the sun in order to provide the most power from minute to minute can be difficult. Secondly, methods for collecting and transporting the thermal energy often rely upon expensive materials that can be difficult to work with. Lastly, solar energy must be collected while the sun is shining, but power or heat may be needed at other times such as during the night, so storing energy for later use is necessary.

Commonly, the thermal energy is transported from the receiver and stored in molten salts, but may also be stored in a solid material. Solid components used in a storage system can be subject to crushing, where the materials break apart due to the stress brought on by temperature changes. Crushing can be disadvantageous since it may affect and obstruct a flow of fluid through a thermal storage.

Transporting the thermal energy from the receiver to the thermal storage may cause loss of energy, and transferring heat from one medium to another may also cause loss of thermal energy. In order to produce high temperatures, concentrators are necessarily large. It is desirable to produce concentrators that are manufactured with a high degree of precision, so that a focus is small and high temperatures can be achieved, and to produce concentrators with a long life span in order to reduce the maintenance and replacement costs of the CSP system.

There is a need for an improved or alternative concentrated solar power system to reduce or eliminate the above mentioned disadvantages of known techniques. It is an objective of the present invention to achieve this and to provide further advantages over the state of the art.

Documents useful for understanding the field of technology include WO 2018/073118 A1, US 2015/0159959 A1 , DE 102014107804 A1 and US 4340032 A.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art and solve at least the above mentioned problem.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a concentrated solar power system, comprising; a solar concentrator configured for adjustment in a vertical angle; the solar concentrator being provided on a rotatable platform for adjusting a horizontal angle; a solid thermal energy storage medium provided in a thermal energy storage facility; the thermal energy storage facility comprising an inlet and an outlet for a working fluid; where a portion of the solid thermal energy storage medium is exposed such that sunlight reflected from the solar concentrator directly strikes the exposed portion of the solid thermal energy storage medium; the thermal energy storage facility comprises a gate for sealing the exposed portion of the solid thermal energy storage medium..

According to an embodiment of the invention the solar concentrator comprises a pivotable support.

According to an embodiment of the invention the solar concentrator comprises an adjustment member for adjusting the vertical angle.

According to an embodiment of the invention the concentrated solar power system comprises a wind turbine provided at the inlet. According to an embodiment of the invention the wind turbine is provided below the thermal energy storage facility.

According to an embodiment of the invention the concentrated solar power system comprises a wind turbine provided at the outlet. According to an embodiment of the invention the thermal energy storage facility comprises a towering structure.

According to an embodiment of the invention the outlet is provided at the top of the thermal energy storage facility.

According to an embodiment of the invention the thermal energy storage medium is basalt.

According to an embodiment of the invention the thermal energy storage medium comprises brick elements provided with channels.

According to an embodiment of the invention the brick elements are cubic or cuboid and the channels are straight and oriented in at least two directions through the brick elements .

According to an embodiment of the invention the volume of the channels to the volume of the thermal energy storage medium of a brick element is 30:70.

According to an embodiment of the invention the channels do not intersect.

According to an embodiment of the invention the working fluid is air. The present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the invention by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art understand from guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. Hence, it is to be understood that the herein disclosed invention is not limited to the particular component parts of the device described or steps of the methods described since such device and method may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a", "an" and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context explicitly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar wordings does not exclude other elements or steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Figure 1a shows a side view of a first embodiment of a CSP system.

Figure 1 b shows a front view of the first embodiment of the CSP system.

Figure 2 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a CSP system.

Figure 3 shows a side view of a third embodiment of a CSP system.

Figure 4 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of a CSP system.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a solid thermal energy storage medium.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the herein disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

Referring initially to figures 1a and 1b, a first embodiment of a concentrated solar power (CSP) system 101 is illustrated. The concentrated solar power system 101 comprises a solar concentrator 102. The solar concentrator 102 concentrates sunlight L1 such that the reflected sunlight L2 is focused at a point or region a distance away from the solar concentrator 102. The solar concentrator 102 may comprise mirrors or lenses for focusing the sunlight, and the solar concentrator 102 of the illustrated embodiment comprises several mirrors arranged in circular rows. The circular rows are arranged coincident, and each row of mirrors are angled a bit different to each other such that sunlight L1 striking the solar concentrator 102 is reflected towards a single point or region as reflected sunlight L2.

The solar concentrator 102 is configured for adjustment in a vertical angle a. In the first illustrated embodiment, the vertical angle a is defined as an angle from a vertical axis A. A solar concentrator 102 adjusted in a vertical angle a of 0° is thus positioned vertical and reflects sunlight L1 in a horizontal direction. In the other extreme vertical angle a of 90°, the solar concentrator 102 is positioned horizontally and reflects sunlight L1 in a vertical direction. The solar concentrator 102 is thus configured for aligning with the sun as the sun moves up and down in the sky.

In the first embodiment of a concentrated solar power system 101, the solar concentrator 102 comprises a pivotable support 103. The pivotable support 103 may be provided on an outer periphery of the solar concentrator 102. The pivotable support 103 may be provided on a thermal energy storage facility 104, and the thermal energy storage facility 104 is in the first embodiment shaped elongate and towering, or comprises a structure that is elongate and towering. The thermal energy storage facility 104 may thus be provided as a chimney, and the vertical axis A may be a center axis of the thermal energy storage facility 104.

Inside at least a portion of the thermal energy storage facility 104 is a solid thermal energy storage medium 505. The solid thermal energy storage medium 505 is configured for storing thermal energy collected by the solar concentrator 102, and the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 may e.g. be basalt, and more preferably bricks of basalt. The solid thermal energy storage medium 505 may be provided such that a working fluid can pass through the solid thermal energy storage medium 505. The working fluid may be a gas, and preferably air. Heated air can as such pass upwards through the solid thermal energy storage medium 505, and be utilized to drive a generator, this is described more in detail later. The solid thermal energy storage medium 505 is described more in detail with reference to figure 5.

The pivotable support 103 may be provided at an elevation that allows the solar concentrator 102 to be positioned in a vertical angle a from about 0° to 90°. An adjustment member 106 may be connected to the solar concentrator 102 for pivoting the solar concentrator 102 about the pivotable support 103. The adjustment member 106 may be connected to the solar concentrator 102 at an opposite location to where the pivotable support 103 is provided to reduce the load on the adjustment member 106. In the illustrated embodiments, the adjustment member 106 is a hydraulic arm that can extend and retract, but the adjustment member 106 may as such be any device capable of moving or rotating the solar concentrator 102, and may also be positioned elsewhere on the solar concentrator 102. As the adjustment member 106 of the first embodiment is extended, the solar concentrator 102 is rotated in an upwards manner, i.e. towards a horizontal position.

The solar concentrator 102 is provided on a rotatable platform 107. The rotatable platform 107 allows the solar concentrator 102 to rotate about the vertical axis A such that a horizontal angle b about the vertical axis A can be adjusted. The rotation angle b may thus be generally in a horizontal plane. Adjusting the horizontal angle b and vertical angle a thus allows the solar concentrator 102 to track the sun’s movement across the sky and be constantly oriented normal to the direction of the sunlight L1. The adjustment member 106 may also be connected to the rotatable platform 107, and may connect the solar concentrator 102 to the rotatable platform 107. The thermal energy storage facility 104 may be provided on the rotatable platform 107, and may thus rotate with the solar concentrator 102. The rotatable platform 107 may be provided on a stationary base 108, and the rotatable platform 107 may be provided on a bearing or similar mechanism, allowing the platform 107 to rotate on the stationary base 108. A motor or similar means known in the art of rotating a structure may rotate and control the rotation of the rotatable platform 107.

The solid thermal energy storage medium 505 may be provided on the stationary base 108 and thus be stationary, i.e. not rotatable or be able to move. As the thermal energy storage facility 104 rotates, the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 inside may not rotate. Alternatively, the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 may also be provided on the rotatable platform 107 and thus rotate together with the thermal energy storage facility 104. A portion of the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 is exposed such that the sunlight L2 reflected from the solar concentrator 102 directly strikes the exposed portion 109 of the solid thermal energy storage medium 505. As the solar concentrator 102 is moved and rotated to track the sun, the reflected sunlight L2 constantly strikes the exposed portion 109. The thermal energy storage facility 104 thus comprises a storage facility opening

110 where the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 is directly exposed to the solar concentrator 102. As the thermal energy storage facility 104 is rotated about the axis A, the storage facility opening 110 is also rotated about the axis A, such that the reflected sunlight L2 is constantly directed towards the storage facility opening 110. If the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 is stationary, i.e. it does not rotate with the thermal energy storage facility 104, the exposed portion 109 is a constantly changing portion of the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 as the thermal energy storage facility 104 is rotated. As the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 is heated from the reflected and concentrated sunlight L2, the heat spreads from the exposed portion 109 across the solid thermal energy storage medium 505.

As the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 is heated, working fluid such as air within and surrounding the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 is heated, and rises upwards. In the first embodiment of the concentrated solar power system 101 , the rising air inside the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 creates a vacuum that sucks air in at an inlet 111 connected to a lower portion of the solid thermal energy storage medium 505. The first embodiment comprises two such air inlets

111 (shown in figure 1b). As heated air rises through the thermal energy storage facility 104, air is drawn in at the inlets 111, transported through inlet channels 112 and passes an inlet wind turbine 113. One or more inlet turbines 113 may be provided anywhere along the inlet channels 112, but in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet wind turbine 113 is positioned directly below the solid thermal energy storage medium 505. Air passing the inlet turbine 113 causes it to rotate, and electric power is generated.

The thermal energy storage facility 104 is provided with an outlet 114. As hot air rises through the thermal energy storage facility 104, in the first embodiment shaped as a chimney, the air escapes through the outlet 114. In the first embodiment, the outlet 114 is provided at the top of the thermal energy storage facility 104. The first embodiment of the concentrated solar power system 101 also comprises an outlet wind turbine 115 provided at the outlet 114. As hot air escapes the thermal energy storage facility 104, it passes the outlet wind turbine 115 and causes it to rotate. As the outlet wind turbine 115 rotates, electric power is generated. In the first embodiment, the outlet wind turbine 115 is connected to the thermal energy storage facility 104 by an outlet wind turbine support 116. The outlet wind turbine support 116 may be a bracket or similar structure supporting the outlet wind turbine 115 in the vicinity of the outlet 114.

To reduce heat loss from the thermal energy storage facility 104, i.e. during nights, when there is not sufficient sunlight L1, or at other occasions such as when the heat loss from the exposed portion 109 is potentially greater than the heat input from the solar concentrator 102, a storage facility gate 117 may be closed. The storage facility gate 117 may be provided at the thermal energy storage facility 104, and is configured for sealing the storage facility opening 110 such that the exposed portion 109 is no longer exposed. Heat loss from the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 through the storage facility opening 110 is thus minimized. The storage facility gate 117 may be automatically or manually operated, and may be controlled by a motor or similar means known in the art of opening and closing a gate.

An outlet gate 118 may be provided at the outlet 114, and may be closed and thus seal the outlet 114 when the concentrated solar power system 101 is not operating. In the first embodiment, the outlet gate 118 is a shifting gate. The outlet gate 118 may thus also contribute to minimizing heat loss from the solid thermal energy storage medium 505. Alternatively, the outlet gate 118 may also seal the outlet 114 while the concentrated solar power system 101 is operating. As such, a build-up of heat is provided at the outlet 114 below the outlet gate 118, and this accumulated heat may be released upon opening the outlet gate 118. Such intervals of opening and shutting the outlet gate 118 may have a greater effect on the outlet wind turbine 115 than a continuous flow of hot air.

The one or more inlets 111 may be provided with inlet gates 119. The inlet gates 119 are configured for sealing the air inlets 111, such that the amount of air going into the system and the airflow can be controlled. The inlet gate 119 may also be used to completely seal off the inlet 111 in case of emergency, etc.

Referring now to figure 2, a second embodiment of a concentrated solar power system 201 is illustrated. Unless otherwise specified, the features described in relation to the first embodiment applies to the second embodiment as well. The description of the second embodiment of the concentrated solar power system 201 is thus focused on features different from that of the first embodiment. The concentrated solar power system 201 comprises one or more inlet turbines 213 provided at the one or more inlets 211. In the second embodiment, the inlet turbines may be provided a distance away from the thermal energy storage facility 204. As hot air rises upwards in the thermal energy storage facility 204, air is sucked in through the inlets 211, passes the inlet turbines 213 and is further sucked through the inlet channels 212 to a lower portion of, or below, the solid thermal energy storage medium 505. An inlet gate 219 may be provided on the inlet channel 212 in order to control the amount of air flowing into the thermal energy storage facility 204. The inlet gate 219 may also be used to completely seal off the inlet 211 in case of emergency, etc.

In the second embodiment, the concentrated solar power system 201 may not comprise an outlet wind turbine, and the hot air rising through the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 may freely escape at the outlet 214 at the top of the thermal energy storage facility 204. An outlet gate 218, in the illustrated embodiment a pivotable hatch, may seal the outlet 214.

In the second embodiment, the thermal energy storage facility 204 extends below the rotatable platform 207 and the stationary base 208. The portion of the thermal energy storage facility 204 provided below the rotatable platform 207 may be underground, and while the thermal energy storage facility 204 above the rotatable platform 207 may be rotatable, the portion below the rotatable platform 207 may be stationary.

Referring now to figure 3, a third embodiment of a concentrated solar power system 301 is illustrated. Unless otherwise specified, the features described in relation to the first embodiment applies to the third embodiment as well. The description of the third embodiment of the concentrated solar power system 301 is thus focused on features different from that of the first embodiment.

The third embodiment of the concentrated solar power system 301 may not comprise any inlet turbines. As hot air rises upwards in the thermal energy storage facility 304, air is sucked in at the inlet 311 , through an inlet channel 312 to the solid thermal energy storage medium 505. The air is heated by the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 and rises through the thermal energy storage facility 304. An outlet 314 is provided at an upper portion of the thermal energy storage facility 304, and an outlet wind turbine 315 is provided at the outlet 314. The outlet wind turbine 315 may be an integrated part of the thermal energy storage facility 304. Hot air rising through the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 passes the outlet wind turbine 315 and escapes at the outlet 314. Although not illustrated, the concentrated solar power system 301 may also comprise an outlet gate, described with reference to the first and second embodiments.

Similarly to the second embodiment, the thermal energy storage facility 304 extends below the rotatable platform 307 and stationary base 308. The portion of the thermal energy storage facility 304 provided below the rotatable platform 307 may be underground, and while the thermal energy storage facility 304 above the rotatable platform 307 may be rotatable, the lower portion may be stationary.

Referring now to figure 4, a fourth embodiment of a concentrated solar power system 401 is illustrated. The solar concentrator 402 is configured for adjustment in a vertical angle a, and the vertical angle a is defined as an angle from a vertical axis A. The vertical axis A may be a center axis for an exposed portion 409 of a solid thermal energy storage medium 505.

The solar concentrator 402 may comprise a pivotable support 403 that may be provided on opposite sides of the solar concentrator 402, such that the solar concentrator 402 is in balance and easy to rotate about the pivotable support 403. The pivotable support 403 may be provided on one or more arms 440 connecting the solar concentrator 402 to a rotatable platform 407.

One or more adjustment members 406 may be connected to the one or more arms 440 for pivoting the solar concentrator 402 about a second pivotable support 441. The second pivotable support 441 may be provided on the rotatable platform 407. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment member 406 is a hydraulic arm that can extend and retract, but the adjustment member 406 may as such be any device capable of moving or rotating the arms 440 or the solar concentrator 402, and may also be positioned elsewhere on the concentrated solar power system 401.

The solar concentrator 402 is provided on a rotatable platform 407. The rotatable platform 407 allows the solar concentrator 402 to rotate about the vertical axis A such that a horizontal angle b about the vertical axis A can be adjusted. The rotation angle b may thus be generally in a horizontal plane. Adjusting the horizontal angle b and vertical angle a thus allow the solar concentrator 402 to track the sun’s movement across the sky and be constantly oriented normal to the direction of the sunlight L1.

As opposed to the first three embodiments, the thermal energy storage facility 404 of the fourth embodiment may primarily be provided below the rotatable platform 407. The thermal energy storage facility 404 may also be generally stationary. The rotatable platform 407 may be provided on a stationary base 408, and the stationary base 408 may be part of, or above, the thermal energy storage facility 404. The stationary base 408 may be provided above or below the ground. The rotatable platform 407 may be provided on a bearing or similar mechanism, allowing the platform to rotate on the stationary base 408. A motor or similar means known in the art of rotating a structure may rotate and control the rotation of the rotatable platform 407.

The thermal energy storage facility 404 comprises a storage facility opening 410 where the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 is directly exposed to the solar concentrator 402. Sunlight L2 reflected from the solar concentrator 402 may thus directly strike the exposed portion 409 of the solid thermal energy storage medium 505. As the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 is heated from the reflected and concentrated sunlight L2, the heat spreads from the exposed portion 409 across the solid thermal energy storage medium 505. As the solar concentrator 402 is moved and rotated to track the sun, the reflected sunlight L2 constantly strikes the exposed portion 409.

The solid thermal energy storage medium 505 may e.g. be basalt, and more preferably bricks of basalt. The solid thermal energy storage medium 505 may be provided such that the working fluid can easily pass through the solid thermal energy storage medium 505. A working fluid such as air can as such pass through the solid thermal energy storage medium 505. An embodiment of the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 is described more in detail with reference to figure 5.

The working fluid may be fed into the thermal energy storage facility 404 through an inlet 411. The working fluid of the fourth embodiment may be a gas such as air, but may also be a liquid. Inside the thermal energy storage facility 404, the working fluid is heated by the solid thermal energy storage medium 505, and may be transported out through an outlet 414. The heated working fluid may be used in a turbine, or any other means for generating power. To reduce heat loss from the thermal energy storage facility 404, i.e. during nights, when there is not sufficient sunlight L1 , or at other occasions such as when the heat loss from the exposed portion 409 is potentially greater than the heat input from the solar concentrator 402, a storage facility gate (not shown in figure 4) may seal off the storage facility opening 410 such that the exposed portion 409 is no longer exposed. Heat loss from the solid thermal energy storage medium 505 through the storage facility opening 410 is thus minimized.

Referring now to figure 5, an embodiment of a solid thermal energy storage medium 505 is illustrated. The solid thermal energy storage medium 505 is comprised of brick elements 550, and in figure 5, three such brick elements 550 are shown. Each brick element 550 comprises channels 551 that extend through the thickness of the brick element 550. The channels 551 may be straight. The channels 551 are hollow such that a working fluid may flow through them and thus through the brick element 550. The channels 551 may extend in several directions, and each brick 550 may comprise channels 551 in at least two directions. Channels extending in at least two directions may be provided such that they do not intersect within a brick element 550.

If the brick elements 550 are shaped generally cubic or cuboid, the channels 551 may extend perpendicular to the side surfaces, in at least two directions. As such, a perforated brick element 550 is provided, which allows a working fluid such as air to be heated within the brick element 550 and move freely through brick elements 550 stacked next to each other. The channels 551 also provide the brick elements 550 with a much larger surface area, such that the transfer of heat from the brick elements 550 to the working fluid is more efficient. A cubic or cuboid shape of the brick elements 550 allows easy assembly of the solid thermal energy storage medium 505. The shape also provides maximum contact between each brick element 550 and thus maximum heat transfer from one brick element 550 to another.

In one preferred embodiment, the volume of the channels 551 to the volume of the brick element is 30:70. The volume of the channels 551 is 30% and the volume of the solid thermal energy storage medium is thus 70%, where 100% is the volume of the square or cuboid. The solid thermal energy storage medium 505 may be basalt. As brick elements 550 of basalt or similar solids are stacked next to each other in the thermal energy storage facility, friction between the brick elements as they are heated and cooled down can cause erosion and wear and tear on the brick elements 550, especially around the corners and edges of the brick elements 550. Due to the channels 551, powder and fine gravel from such wear and tear do not clog the brick elements 550 and do not prevent the working fluid from passing through.

The number of directions of the channels 551 (i.e. two or three) may be determined by the layout of the concentrated solar power system and the thermal energy storage facility. In some configurations, channels 551 extending through the brick elements 550 in two directions may be sufficient, in other configurations three directions may be better suited. The illustrated embodiment in figure 5 comprises brick elements 550 with channels 551 in two directions.

The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Features of the four embodiments can be combined in any way possible, and the person skilled in the art further realizes that modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A concentrated solar power system (101; 201; 301; 401), comprising; a solar concentrator (102; 402) configured for adjustment in a vertical angle (a); the solar concentrator (102; 402) being provided on a rotatable platform (107; 207; 307; 407) for adjusting a horizontal angle (b); a solid thermal energy storage medium (505) provided in a thermal energy storage facility (104; 204; 304; 404); the thermal energy storage facility (104; 204; 304; 404) comprising an inlet (111;

211 ; 311 ; 411) and an outlet (114; 214; 314; 414) for a working fluid; where a portion (109; 409) of the solid thermal energy storage medium (505) is exposed such that sunlight (L2) reflected from the solar concentrator (102; 402) directly strikes the exposed portion (109; 409) of the solid thermal energy storage medium (505); the thermal energy storage facility (104; 204; 304; 404) comprises a gate (117) for sealing the exposed portion (109; 409) of the solid thermal energy storage medium (505).

2. The concentrated solar power system (101; 201; 301; 401) of claim 1, where the solar concentrator (102; 402) comprises a pivotable support (103; 403).

3. The concentrated solar power system (101; 201; 301; 401) of claim 1 or 2, where the solar concentrator (102; 402) comprises an adjustment member (106;

406) for adjusting the vertical angle (a).

4. The concentrated solar power system (101; 201) of any one of the previous claims, where the concentrated solar power system (101; 201) comprises a wind turbine (113; 213) provided at the inlet (111; 211).

5. The concentrated solar power system (101) of claim 4, where the wind turbine (113) is provided below the thermal energy storage facility (104).

6. The concentrated solar power system (101; 301) of any one of the previous claims, where the concentrated solar power system (101; 301) comprises a wind turbine (115; 315) provided at the outlet (114; 314).

7. The concentrated solar power system (101; 201; 301) of any one of the previous claims, where the thermal energy storage facility (104; 204; 304) comprises a towering structure.

8. The concentrated solar power system (101; 201; 301) of any one of the previous claims, where the outlet (114; 214; 314) is provided at the top of the thermal energy storage facility (104; 204; 304).

9. The concentrated solar power system (101; 201; 301; 401) of any one of the previous claims, where the thermal energy storage medium (505) is basalt.

10. The concentrated solar power system (101; 201; 301; 401) of any one of the previous claims, where the thermal energy storage medium (505) comprises brick elements (550) provided with channels (551).

11. The concentrated solar power system (101 ; 201 ; 301 ; 401 ) of claim 10, where the brick elements (550) are cubic or cuboid and the channels (551) are straight and oriented in at least two directions through the brick elements (550).

12. The concentrated solar power system (101; 201; 301; 401) of claim 10 or 11, where the volume of the channels (551) to the volume of the thermal energy storage medium (505) of a brick element (550) is 30:70.

13. The concentrated solar power system (101; 201; 301; 401) of claim 11 or 12, where the channels (551) do not intersect.

14. The concentrated solar power system (101; 201; 301; 401) of any one of the previous claims, where the working fluid is air.