News

Special Issue: Heliostat Technologies for Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power (CSP)

Concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP), naturally coupled with thermal energy storage, can offer competitive renewable energy generation for (1) dispatchable electricity to the grid, compared with PV, wind, and batteries; (2) industrial process heat, particularly with a temperature higher than 200 °C, in a wide range of industrial applications; and (3) renewable fuel generation through high-temperature heat above 1000 °C.

Read the full study here.

Featured Researcher

Craig Turchi  (NREL)

Craig Turchi, a researcher at NREL, has built a reputation for scientific integrity in the field of concentrating solar power (CSP). His career began in the 1990s with early CSP research at the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), where he provided a candid assessment of a solar detoxification reactor. 

After spending time in small technology companies, Turchi returned to NREL in 2008, bringing entrepreneurial experience that enhanced his systems analysis research in CSP. His expertise in thermal energy science helped advance CSP technologies, including work on reducing water use at CSP plants and exploring supercritical CO₂ power cycles for improved efficiency. 

Beyond research, he is actively involved in mentoring and leadership at NREL, serving as the Thermal Energy Science and Technologies group manager and a partnership director for the Heliostat Consortium.

Full Bio: NREL Researcher Craig Turchi Brings Small Business Experience to Big Concentrating Solar Projects | NREL 

Past Featured Researchers

Bird flight at Sandia Solar Concentrating Facility. Image by Sandia National Laboratories

 

Featured Project

SunRing Advanced Manufacturing and Field Deployment

Description:
This project outlines the development of an AI-based avian surveillance system for concentrating solar power (CSP) plants, aimed at reducing bird fatalities caused by concentrated sunlight. The system uses stereoscopic imaging, motion detection algorithms, and machine learning to detect and track birds in 3D space near CSP towers. With a goal of processing 30 frames per second, the system aims to initiate mitigation measures before birds enter high-risk areas.

Project Lead:
Daniel E. Small, (SNL)

Status: 

• Preliminary results and testing: Avian mortality study completed
• Avian mortality study completed: Conducted at Ivanpah Solar Power Facility from October 2013 to December 2021
Read more in the  Featured Project Archive