Thermal energy storage (TES) systems can effectively compensate for irregular solar irradiation and reduce the mismatch between solar supply and power demand in Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants. TES allows a solar resource to be dispatched, a high value proposition for power utilities which gives concentrating solar power (CSP) technology an edge over photovoltaic and wind power. Hence, TES is a key technology for solar thermal energy utilization.This paper begins with an overview of hybrid CSP gas turbine plants, then introduces a new TES pilot plant based on a micro gas turbine system integrated with high temperature ceramic storage. Such a layout avoids the use of high temperature valves. The novel test plant uses an electric heater to simulate thermal input and is currently operated with compressed air in preparation for connection with a modified Turbec T100 microturbine. The test plant represents a scaled-down version of a larger hybridized solar gas turbine.Results from cold test of pressure drop behaviour are used for validation of the plant pressure drop model. Flows exhibit Reynolds values between 3600 and 46000, thus being in a transitional mode between laminar and turbulent flow. Transitional flows are likely in real plants, balancing a compromise between heat transfer effectiveness and pressure drop.
