The Power

of the Sun
The Dawning of a New Era in Solar Power

TM

solar maax CSP Systems

Concentrated Solar Power

from

TM

solar maax

8 Copyright 2009, Solar Maax Limited, a member of the Naanovo Group of Companies NA ANOVO
 www.naanovo.com
www.solarmaax.com
TM

solar maax CSP Systems

Converting
the Sun’s
Energy to
Electricity
SolarMaax is another leading edge alternative energy technology available from
Naanovo. Each SolarMaax CSP System is a state-of-the-art Concentrated Solar
Power (CSP) facility that uses parabolic solar troughs to collect and concentrate the
sun's energy to generate electricity. The parabolic trough design was developed in the
UK jointly between Solar Maax Limited and Censa Manufacturing Limited, a
subsidiary of JSP Corporation, a public company whose major shareholder is
Mitsubish Chemicals Corp., a member of the Mitsubishi Group.

Known as the SolarMaax Trough, this new, innovative light weight, trough design
uses polypropylene composite materials, unique in the industry, for added strength
and durability, while requiring less machined parts, less handling and less time to
assemble in the field, resulting in less cost per kWh.

Its all about energy concentration and conversion. Parabolic troughs are able to
concentrate the suns thermal energy as much as 75 times. This produces
o
temperatures up to 400 C which is necessary to create steam. By passing steam
through a standard steam turbine connected to a generator, the thermal energy is
transformed into mechanical energy which is in turn converted into electricity. With
effective heat storage, the process of converting the suns thermal energy into
electricity can be extended long after the sun goes down. Doing this efficiently and
economically is what differentiates SolarMaax from other CSP technologies available
on the market.

page 1 NA ANOVO
 TM

solar maax CSP Systems

2 - tank salt
Solar Field storage
Solar Steam Turbine
Superheater

Hot
Salt Condenser
Tank

Deaerator
Steam
Generator
Solar
Preheater Low Pressure
Preheater
Cold
Salt Solar
Tank Reheater

Expansion
Vessel

What is SolarMaax?....
SolarMaax is the answer to a modern day prayer, turning the sun’s energy into
commercial quantities of electricity, safely and economically. By combining
SolarMaax troughs with off-the-shelf power block components, it is now possible
able to take advantage of the world’s most abundant natural resource, the sun.

SolarMaax is an engineered solar power system that maximizes the available

solar resources at each location, whether in high solar irradiation zones, such as
the Middle East or the American southwest, or in moderate solar irradiation zones
such as Latin America or Central Africa. By carefully analyzing the available solar
resources and matching it with the proper sized solar field and then selecting the
power block equipment best suited to maximizing power, SolarMaax engineers
cam turn sunshine into power without any negative impact on the environment.

page 2 NA ANOVO
How Does it Work?
Solar
Concentrate the Sun’s Energy... Energy
The Sun’s energy, in the form of thermal
energy (or heat) is captured by parabolic
collectors, which focus the sun’s energy
onto liquid filled absorber tube receivers
running parallel along the length of the
collector trough.
Absorber Tube
Receiver

Concentrating
TM Tracking Reflective
solar maax CSP Systems
Mechanism Surface

...Store the Sun’s Energy

The hot liquid from the concentrated
solar collectors is piped to large thermal
storage tanks where it can be disbursed
to a series of heat exchangers for use
directly by a steam turbine and
generator, or where it can sit and wait for
up to 12 hours or longer until it can be
slowly drawn down by the power block,
well after the sun goes down.

Pictured are two 230,000 gallon molten salt storage tanks

used in a solar thermal storage project by Scandia Labs to
store the sun’s thermal energy.

page 3 NA ANOVO
Capturing the Sun’s Energy is Easy

TM

solar maax CSP Systems

Why Parabolic Trough

Collectors?
SolarMaax CSP Systems use advanced modular parabolic solar troughs with 94%
reflectance capability that are pre-manufactured using light-weight and durable
polypropylene composite materials and aluminum which can be easily assembled on site
using basic hand tools. Parabolic solar troughs are widely accepted and have a proven
track record of performance. Their cost is generally lower than photovoltaic (PV) systems
which require larger solar fields. Recent improvements made in the design of the
SolarMaax trough ensures less down time is required for maintenance and repairs than is
normally required for other types of solar collectors. The reflective surface is not only
durable but extremely efficient at reflecting the sun’s rays for maximum thermal
concentration by the absorber tubes running along the length of the trough. Concentration
ratios of SolarMaax troughs range from 70:1 to 80:1, depending on the angle of the sun,
cloud cover and location of the solar field. The troughs are easily computer controlled and
systematized to track the sun along an east - west axis.

page 4 NA ANOVO
Concentrating Energy is a Science

Sun Path From the East

Tracking Parabolic Mirror

the Sun Receiver Tube Direct Normal

Radiation

for Maximum
Concentration
Drive Motor

SolarMaax CSP Systems use advanced tracking systems to stay in directional contact
with the sun. As the sun moves from east to west, sensors built into every central drive
unit, relays an electronic signal to the hydraulic drive mechanism to rotate the entire row of
trough collectors in the direction of the sun. This ensures maximum solar intensity is
concentrated at the focal point of the receiver tube throughout the day.

Once the tracking begins, the liquid medium, or Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) running
through the receiver tubes begins to heat up. The speed of the HTF is controlled
automatically with pumps to achieve the desired temperature (approximately 400o C or
752o F). The 150 meter length of each row of troughs adds to the thermal equation by
ensuring the HTF remains in the receiver tubes for just the right amount of time. When
properly aligned with the direct radiation of the sun, the entire process functions at
maximum efficiency and reliability.

To capture as much of the solar irradiation as possible, each trough row contains 12
trough sections. Each trough section is 12 meters by 6 meters in size comprising an
2 2 2 2
aperture of 72m (775 ft ). Each row has a total aperture of 864 m (9,300 ft ).

12m x 6m trough Regular Pylon Parabolic Central Hydraulic Receiver Tube

section Reflector Panel Drive Pylon

page 5 NA ANOVO
So Long as the Sun Shines.....
5 MW CSP System Array
This Sample is Not to Scale
Size is dependent on Average Daily Solar Insolation Value

Power Block 5MW Cooling Tower

384 Parabolic Solar Troughs

2 2
27,648 m (297,600 ft ) Aperture
2
30,000 m of Land (7.4 acres) Required
3
37.8 m /hr (10,000 gal/hr) Cooling Tower
SolarMaax CSP Systems can be built to virtually any size starting from 5 MW, similar
to the schematic shown here. These systems are only limited in size in relation to the
amount of space available and can be located anywhere there is access to a ready
supply of cooling water. Where thermal storage is necessary for extended operation,
solar field size can almost double depending on how many hours of storage are
required.

page 6 NA ANOVO
Solar Intensity
The basic resource for all solar systems is the sun.
Knowledge of the quantity and quality of the solar
energy available at a specific location is of prime
importance for the design of any solar energy
system.

Although solar irradiation (insolation) is relatively

constant outside the earth's atmosphere, local
climate influences can cause wide variations in
available radiation on the earth's surface from one
site to another. In addition, the relative motion of
the sun with respect to the earth will allow surfaces
with different orientations to intercept different
amounts of solar energy.

There are computer systems available that can

provide the average total radiation per square
meter per day of sunlight for specific locations
described by longitude and latitude coordinates.
Once the point location average total radiation
impacting the solar field at a given area is
calculated in the program, engineers can use this
input to determine the solar field size necessary to
produce the amount of electricity required.
However, this data must be adjusted to allow for
the time of year when the calculations are being
made.
Total Horizontal
Insolation (W/m2)

Beam Normal
1000 Diffuse Horizontal

500

TM

solar maax CSP Systems

0
6 12 18

Time (h)
Daggett, California on a clear March day.

page 7 NA ANOVO
Just Getting Started.....
Solar Power is only just now beginning Exajoules

to take off and it is predicted that 1500 still open

investment in solar power 1 Exajoule = 34.12 million tce geothermal / ocean

technologies will outpace virtually all solar
other sources of energy by the middle 1000
new biomass
of this century. With new and
innovative solar technologies, like wind
hydro power
SolarMaax, demand for solar power 500 trad. biomass
nuclear power
will continue to rise well into the future. natural gas

But there is an even more compelling mineral oil

coal / lignite
reason to turn to solar power, its good 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060

for the planet. Concentrated Solar Expected Solar Power Growth

Power (CSP), utilizing parabolic solar
troughs like SolarMaax, produce 75
times less CO2 equivalent than coal CO2 Equivalent (kg/MWh)
1200
fired power plants and 36 times less 1000 900
C02 equivalent than Natural gas and
800
combined cycle power plants.
600
435
As the cost of solar technologies come 400
down and thermal storage capabilities 200 110
17 14 12
improve, solar power will be the 0
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am

preferred option for commercial power r

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generation. One thing is for certain,

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there are many regions in the world
Wi
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where the sun shines almost every

Na

day and all day, with ideal conditions CSP - Positive Environmental Impact
for producing large amounts of solar
power.

Consider this, with the right

technology and only one percent of
the world’s desert land mass, there is
sufficient potential to generate enough
electricity to supply the world’s entire
demand for power. SolarMaax CSP
Systems will no doubt be there to help
these regions take advantage of their
plentiful solar resources. _ 5kWh/m2d
Direct Radiation >
Global Solar Regions

page 8 NA ANOVO
... And Growing Fast

page 9 NA ANOVO
 TM

solar maax
Power Systems
Benefits
SolarMaax CSP Systems have many benefits, such as the following:

SolarMaax CSP Systems have limited
fuel costs or fuel handling concerns;
Thermal energy can be stored in tanks
to ensure ample supply for peak power
production on a daily basis;
Installation costs are lower due to
fewer parts requiring assembly in the
field;
SolarMaax CSP Systems utilize
proven parabolic solar collectors that
are widely used and accepted in the
solar energy industry;
SolarMaax CSP Systems are 100%
pollution free.
SolarMaax CSP Systems cost less
than 2 US cents per kilowatt hour over
the life of the system, inclusive of capital
costs and operating costs.
SolarMaax CSP Systems represent the
lowest capital cost recovery time of any
other solar power system on the market.

TM

solar maax CSP Systems

page 10 NA ANOVO
 TM

solar maax
CSP Systems
How SolarMaax Troughs Compare

page 11
NA ANOVO
Technical Document
Technical
TM
SolarMaax Trough
Designed exclusively for Solar Maax UK Ltd. under license from Censa Ltd, a subsidiary of
Parabolic Trough Design JSP Corporation, a public company whose largest shareholder is Mitsubishi Chemicals Corp.,
a member of the Mitsubishi Group.

The design for the SolarMaax Trough is based around the production of both a cost effective and fully recyclable unit, further
reducing the technology’s environmental impact, creating an even more ‘Green’ product. The manufacturing methods used
to produce the troughs greatly reduce lead times on this product resulting in lower overall costs.

Each trough is sectioned into four main parts; the two aluminum end frames, the right and left
dishes, which also come with their own frames made of a polypropylene composite material.
The absorber tube (Diameter = approx. 70 mm, black steel with evacuated glass cover) is fixed
parallel to the trough in the optical focus of the trough.
The trough is turning around a balanced central fulcrum point to reduce torsional loading when
tracking the sun.
Each section consists of 4 longitudinal dishes with integral stiffeners (each 11.920 meters long)
with parabolic curvature, made from a polypropylene composite material (100% recyclable).
A highly reflective film will be applied on the four composite trough sections.
To hold the dishes in the correct location and to allow adjustment there are 8 optional stainless
steel cables which can be added dependant on location requirements.
Each side of the trough is made up of 9 frames made from a Polypropylene composite material
All trough parts are industrially produced in large quantities as well as tested and delivered in
high-precision quality. They can be easily assembled on site in a simple jig and manually
connected with bolts by unskilled or semi skilled labor.

Drive Unit & Support Structure

Two single-acting hydraulic cylinders are moving through a chain and wheel system that is
connected with the trough structure.
The unit is completely closed, delivered fully assembled and tested before it is shipped
including power unit. The sun tracker system is integral to each hydraulic unit and is sent
with computer software for setup.
The rotation movement ranges 160 degrees in two linear directions.
The maximum torque moment, calculated and designed to accommodate up to 12 single
trough units.
Weight of the drive unit, filled with oil = approx. 545 kg.

Foundation of Support Structures

6' deep x 24'' OD steel reinforced concrete footings, standard for size of trough (No cap,
cylindrical footing). Stud bar imbedded for fixing.

Assembled Trough
To the right and left side of the drive unit are up to six trough sections, aligned lengthwise
2
on a linear axis. Each 12 meter X 6 meter section contains an aperture of 72 m .
TM

solar maax CSP Systems

page 12 NA ANOVO
Technical Document
Technical
TM
SolarMaax Trough
Trough Geometry Trough Performance
Total Solar collector assembly length 151 m Thermal efficiency 68%
2
Net Aperture area 920.64 m Thermal output 460 kWth
2
Total Mirror area 822.48 m Annual energy generation 1,000 MWhth
Number of units per assembly line 12 Gross electrical output 154 kWe
Unit aperture length 12 m Typical land use 5 acres/MWe
Unit aperture width 6m Maximum installed slope 4% gradient
Focal length 1.76 m Maximum operational wind speed 64 km/h - 3 second gusts
Rim Angle 82% Operational wind speed 40 km/h - sustained
Geometric concentration 75:1 Wind speeds able to withstand 135 km/h - 3second gusts
(1) The solar collector assembly consists of collector unit, drive unit & carrier struts
(2) Surface area of Reflect tech mirror film Operating temperature 5ºC to 70ºC
(3) A Unit is supported by a carrier strut each end with 1 drive unit per assembly

Mirrors Receiver Tubes

Structural backing Composite Material Receiver type SCHOTT PRT 70
Reflective surface Reflect tech Absorber tube diameter 70mm
Solar reflectance 94% Glass envelope diameter 115mm
(1) 1.4º acceptance angle, measured with specula reflectometer
Receiver length 4m

Sun Tracker System

Power Generation
Number of single axis drives 1 per solar collector assembly
Design point efficiency 38% gross steam cycle
Sun-tracking accuracy ±0.1º
23% net solar electric
Type of drive system SUNTRACKER PRO Hydraulic
Typical annual average efficiency 14.7%
Controller communication RS485 Inputs
Typical capacity factor 22%
Total range of travel -160º to +160º
Typical inherent thermal storage 30 - 60 mins
Maximum collector movement speed 15º/min
Steam temperature (Typical) 395º C
Steam pressure (Typical) 100 Bar
Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) System
Water consumption
Typical HTF Composite Material
Wet Cooling 3,220 Ltrs/MWhe
Typical system operating temperature range
Dry Cooling 0 Ltrs/MWhe
Inlet 290ºC
Mirror Washing 45-55 Ltrs/MWhe
Outlet 395ºC
Processing 152 Ltrs/MWhe
HTF Flow Rate 3.0 - 7.5 kg/s

TM

solar maax CSP Systems

page 13 NA ANOVO
It Makes Economic Sense.....
105

Relative Electricity Costs (%)

100

No Storage
95 Electricity Costs = 100%

90

85

80

75
0 5 10 15
Storage Capacity (full-load hours)

The Cost of Solar Power

SolarMaax power systems are available in virtually any size starting from 5MW. Larger
systems of 100 MW or more are likely to be constructed in phases. Essentially, the only
limit to the size of a SolarMaax power system is the size of the solar field, which is
directly dependent on the intensity and variation of solar irradiation and the amount of
land available. Naanovo engineers calculate the size of each solar field using solar
insoation data available from ArcGIS. Adding storage effectively reduces the relative
cost of electricity by nearly 25% to that of systems without storage since the system is
producing power over extended hours of operation versus regular daylight hours.

Storage also allows for shifting solar power Solar Power Production with 7 Hours Storage
production to match peak power pricing,
1000 20
thereby ensuring solar power is sold into the
Direct Solar Irradiation (W/M2)

Direct Solar Irradiation

900 Production without Storage 18
market at the highest possible prices.
Electricity (MW)

800 Production with Storage 16

700 14
600 12
500 10
400 8
300 6
200 4

TM 100 2

solar maax CSP Systems

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Hours

page 14 NA ANOVO
 About Naanovo
Since 2001, Naanovo has been circling the globe
promoting its waste to energy, and solar power
solutions to regions badly in need of safe, clean and
inexpensive electricity. In doing so, Naanovo has
quickly emerged as a world leader in alternative energy
technologies with projects being developed in South
America, Central America, Europe, Southeast Asia, the
Middle East, Africa and the United States.

With its innovative WTE/Maax and SolarMaax power

systems leading the way, Naanovo technologies are
able to turn otherwise wasted energy into valuable
electricity.

For further inquiries, contact info@naanovo.com.

NA ANOVO

Waste to Energy
TM Solar Power TM

wte maax solar maax

page 15 NA ANOVO
 TM

solar maax CSP Systems

Naanovo Group of Companies

Naanovo Energy Inc.
Naanovo Energy UK Ltd.
Naanovo Energy USA Inc.
Naanovo Energy Brazil S.A.
Naanovo Energy Uganda Ltd.
Naanovo Energy Gambia Limited
Naanovo Energy Central America S.A.
SolarMaax Limited

www.naanovo.com
www.solarmaax.com

NA ANOVO
8 Copyright 2009, Solar Maax Limited, a member of the Naanovo Group of Companies