Solar tower - Thermal collection energy component: 10 MWe pilot plant

Net energy analysis is characterized and key terms are defined. The analysis is applied to the thermal collection segment of the 10MWe solar tower central receiver pilot plant to determine the amount of energy this subsystem component represents with respect to the construction and operation of the facility. The first step in net energy analysis is to determine the material make-up of the various components. The process energy consumption for production of raw steel and of concrete are calculated, as are the capital energy required and the time required to recover capital energy.