ABSTRACT:
This report is basically a textbook describing the nature of the Solar Gridiron (Hemispherical Bowl) Concept and its special characteristics.

Section II is unique in that it constitutes the only status report ever made to the USDOE concerning system-level experience with a high temperature solar-thermal concept. As the Table of Contents shows, twelve topics are considered in some detail. The basic conclusion which may be reached from Section II is that this system, this project, and this concept are all soundly established and thoroughly operational.

Section III describes the remarkably successful CSPP theoretical description of the performance of Solar Gridiron Systems. Formulas are Jiven and thoroughly tested against actual performance data. Both the "attendance factor" and the "fluid power capture factor" are explained and shown to give extremely accurate representation for system performance. The concept of "solar strategy" of operation is defined and illustrated. Electric power plant performance is studied for a range of cycles and conditions.

Section IV describes the projection of cost for 200-ft Solar Gridiron and for 5MW solar gridiron-fossil fuel hybrid electric power plants. This analysis is unique in that it is the first cost analysis of a high temperature solar thermal concept reported to the USDOE which is founded upon actual costs of building an operating design verification system. The costs are established to be the same as proposed by the CSPP in 1974, two years before initial funding was provided.

This document establishes useful notation and effective procedures developed by CSPP for dealing with all aspects of the design of a cost effective solar-electric power plant for Crosbyton, Texas. Such a power plant should serve as a foundation for deployment of similar plants over a wide geographical area of the United States. In addition, this document is intended to provide a firm foundation upon which CSPP can base its arguments concerning the technical and economic merit of the Solar Gridiron Concept.