In CSP plants, regardless of the technology they use, the main aim is to make the collection and use of the sun’s thermal energy as efficient and cost-effective as possible. Thermal insulation ensures that avoidable heat losses are kept to a minimum and that the overall process is as efficient as possible from the thermal standpoint. However, it is vitally important to use the best solutions available, with a design that best suits each need.

Significant challenges must be addressed to achieve this, including:

• Thermal management - control over energy loss - process optimisation.
  

• Maximum reduction in heat losses.
  

• Optimum plant efficiency.

• Design for continuous operation.
  

• Ease of installation and replacement during routine maintenance.
  

• ROI for insulation <1-3 years (total service life of more than 25 years).
  

• Reducing the total production cost of the plant (LCOE reduction).
  

During the upcoming CSP Focus China 2018 conference on March 22-23 in Beijing, Promat will join as exhibitor to showcase the thermal insulation services for CSP plant.
 
By opting for the most extensive product portfolio on the market, based on the best insulation products and with the lowest thermal conductivity, Promat is able to design engineering solutions that respond to every design challenge. With access to top of the range products, whether microporous, calcium silicate, refractory or biosoluble, high temperature mineral wools, Promat’s systems are unbeatable as regards efficiency. Heat losses in each stage can be reduced by between 30% and 50%.

For CSP plants, Promat offers specific solutions for each technology and component. These improve the efficiency of the plant, using lighter, better insulated, more effective materials with enhanced resistance to thermal shock.

For tower plants, Promat offers an extensive range of products including insulation panels made of high temperature resistant compounds for thermal shield applications, insulation systems for below the receiver and oven boxes, as well as solutions for: pipes and clamps, collectors, valves, etc., that use microporous materials.

Promat has moreover made progress in the development of its second generation of thermal shields to protect from solar overflow, which are efficient and economical than those previously used in its extensive experience in CSP tower plants.

For parabolic trough collector plants, Promat develops and designs solutions for insulating hinged joint assemblies, ball joints and rotary joints, based on flexible hoses; clamps and sections of pipes, valves, etc.

High technology solutions for thermal storage

After years of testing and field experience, Promat has developed a product much sought-after by companies involved in the insulation of molten salts storage tanks, for both cold and hot salts storage. Proma Board 11, that has already been successfully used in several CSP plants, is highly resistant to compression, both when the tanks are at working temperature as well as when they are not.

Proma Board 11 can be walked on while being put into place which, together with its maneuverability and easy positioning, considerably shortens assembly times. This system requires no complex civil engineering works, as it stands on a lean concrete base. With its fast assembly process, the end result is a more effective system in both thermal and mechanical terms.

In short, Proma Board 11 offers many advantages: it can be walked on during installation, is extremely easy to handle, offers a high level of resistance to both hot and cold compression and considerably shortens installation time. All of which make this a more cost-effective solution compared to traditional options.

In line with the initiative to continue investing in R&D, Promat is working to develop new thermal storage batteries that are easy to transport, efficient and low maintenance, from generation to consumption, aiming to make the best possible use of thermal energy.

The Promat solutions make energy generation more efficient, both in conventional power stations and state-of-the-art renewable energy plants including CSP, fuel cells, biomass gasification, etc. With its extensive portfolio of insulating materials covering temperatures ranging from 1000C to 1,8000C, Promat offers a comprehensive service that, based on problem analysis, develops the engineering and designs a customised solution for the client, adapted to each plant and each specific market.

Relevant CSP Conference：2018 CSP Focus Conference（March 22-23 Beijing）