Patent attributes
A system is provided for converting thermal energy derived from a solar field into electricity. The system is adapted to operate in accordance with at least two modes of operation, depending upon the thermal energy intake, and comprises: a first power generation sub-system comprising means to heat water into superheated steam by exchanging heat with a first heat transfer fluid being heated at the solar radiation collecting field, and a back pressure turbine for producing electricity; a second power generation sub-system comprising means to heat a second working fluid, and the second working fluid is used to operate a second turbine for producing electricity; and wherein the system is characterized in that when the thermal energy received at the first power generation sub-system exceeds a predetermined threshold of a selected criterion, both power generation sub-systems are operative to produce electricity and at least part of the heat required to heat the second working fluid is derived from exhaust steam being produced at the first power generation sub-system, whereas when the thermal energy received at the first power generation sub-system does not exceed that threshold, the thermal energy conveyed by the first heat transfer fluid is used essentially to heat the second working fluid and the electricity is generated only by the second power generation sub-system.
