Hybrid Fuel-Solar Innovation can Level the Mining Power Outrage

Sectors like Mining, where irradiation is high, CSP solar components which depends completely on sunny regions can aid the power crisis for these vulnerable areas.

A study named “A hybrid solution with concentrated solar power (CSP) and fuel for baseload mining operations” analyses the fit of Stirling Hybrid solutions for the mining industry. The Stirling engine based solution combines in an integrated system solar with gas or diesel as an energy source.

The business case for Stirling Hybrid solutions is particularly attractive if mines are very remote. Transport costs and “losses” increase the fuel costs largely, whereas the CSP plant is installed once and then provides energy. New built off-grid mines face often choices of paying for expensive grid-connection or generating the power onsite. On-site power stations often consist of diesel gensets. Stirling Hybrid solutions are an attractive alternative to diesel gensets.

If the solar irradiation is high the CSP plant can generate total output power and if the solar irradiation is not at most the heat that is needed for the highly efficient Stirling engine can also be produced by various secondary fuel types like e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, LPG, biogas, industrial off gas, coal methane gas or even diesel. A combination of CSP and biogas is 100% renewable energy generation.

In combined mining and metal processing plants off-gas that otherwise would be flared can be used in the Ripasso Stirling Hybrid solutions. It has extremely positive consequences on the sustainability and cost position.

Further, the report claims the other gas types to be cleaner than diesel or heavy fuel oil, especially if the high efficiency of the new hybrid solution is taken into consideration. The Stirling engine itself operates combustion free, which has many advantages regarding maintenance and operation of the power plant. The expected lifetime of the system is well above 25 years.

The modular design allows for scalability in 33 kW steps and ensures a robust power generation, as the different power modules operate completely independently. The modularity of the Stirling Hybrid solution reduces the probability of production losses due to power outages to an absolute minimum. Finally, the study identifies advantages regarding the use of land and water. Both can be very critical for mining operations at remote locations.

“The Ripasso Stirling Hybrid solution fits very well to the requirement of mining companies whenever reliable baseload power is needed in sunny regions”, says Gunnar Larsson, CEO of Ripasso Energy.

“We are frequently contacted by industrial consumers who suffer from production losses due to power outages.” The Stirling solution is proven in naval applications and units of the Ripasso CSP system are installed in Southern Africa.

“It is important to indicate that Ripasso Energy belongs to Ahlstrom Capital, a family investment company that continues the heritage of the renowned Ahlstrom corporation”, points out Dr. Thomas Hillig, CEO of THEnergy. “A strong owner in dynamic environments is an important factor for long-term investments.”