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Abstract

Solar/gas hybrid concentrating solar power (CSP) systems and methods of using the CSP systems are described. The hybrid CSP systems are highly efficient due, at least in part, to a solar segment comprising a first heat transfer fluid and a thermal storage segment comprising a second heat transfer fluid. The second heat transfer fluid heat exchanges with a steam segment to produce steam that drives a steam turbine. Thus, the solar and thermal segments perform the “heavy lifting” of producing steam from water. Once the steam is produced, it enters a superheater of the steam segment. The superheater, which does not heat exchange directly with the thermal storage segment, is heated by a gas turbine positioned downstream from the thermal storage segment.

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First Claim