The Solar Blue initiative demonstrates the feasibility of producing solar photovoltaic and concentrated solar thermal power and will drive a new generation of selective filters for adaptation and use in different situations

Magtel’s R&D&I Division has completed the demonstration of a new type of photovoltaic plant with thermal cogeneration developed at the company’s facilities in Seville, specifically in the Aerospace Technology Park of Andalusia, Aerópolis.

The project, co-financed by the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) under the Innterconecta call for proposals, began at the end of 2018, with the participation of three other firms, Ghenova Engineering, INNengine and the leader of the initiative, Capsun Technologies.

The project consists of demonstrating the feasibility of producing photovoltaic solar energy and concentrated solar thermal energy through the use of innovative selective light filters. These elements have been installed in the Aerópolis pilot plant, making it possible to measure thermal and electrical production.

“Solar Blue” will drive a new generation of selective filters for adaptation to different spectral conditions, to various photovoltaic technologies, as well as for other applications in the sector, with the aim of optimising module temperature.

Specifically, cogeneration occurs through the use of light filters that enable the generation of heat, with the premise of being used to provide storage or manageability of solar photovoltaic energy, and/or in industrial applications that produce electricity and heat (steam or hot water) at the same time.

In addition, new turbomachinery has been developed to improve the efficiency of steam turbines, which transform the energy from the steam flow into electricity.

Sources of renewable energies

The photovoltaic plant maintains the commitment to sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources, using renewable energy sources for the production of electricity.

As Miguel López Ariza, a technician in the Energy Area of the R&D&I Division, points out, “this project demonstrates the feasibility of producing photovoltaic solar energy and concentrated solar thermal energy. The challenges of compatibility of electricity generation have been solved by an intelligent energy management system developed by Magtel”.

As a result of the development of this initiative, a new company called Solar Blue-Technology and solar and thermal cogeneration technology has been created, dedicated to the manufacture of light filters, while the economic viability of thermoelectric power plants has increased.