SoftInWay Switzerland has joined a powerful clean energy initiative, which kicked off earlier this year and is funded by the European Commission and aimed at developing an innovative solar thermal power plant. Anchored in the innovative ASTERIx-CAESar solar energy and storage technology developed by The National Renewable Energy Centre of Spain (CENER), the project seeks to deliver a highly adaptive and inexpensive clean energy solution. Throughout the project, SoftInWay’s primary role has been designing advanced expansion turbines (turbo-expanders) to make efficient use of the compressed air reserves that the plant will employ. SoftInWay has also taken charge when optimizing the thermal system architecture and designing related turbomachinery systems.
Among the project’s most notable aspects is its resourceful approach to energy storage—relying on compressed air rather than oils or salts—and its creative utilization of surplus clean power to assist the compression process. In addition to enabling the plant to provide clean energy 24/7, these technologies introduce substantial cost savings while significantly reducing environmental hazards and operational risks.
Using the AxSTREAM® platform, SoftInWay will develop custom axial turbo-expanders featuring two main parts: a high-pressure casing based on steam turbine technology, and a low-pressure casing based on gas turbine technology. Combined, the project’s modern solar receiver, compressed air storage, and SoftInWay’s tailored expanders could give the plant the potential to double the 20% peak conversion efficiency rating that’s currently considered best-in-class. Project Manager Dr. Vasileios Pastrikakis commented on the new partnership:
“It takes a village to achieve the ambitious climate targets set by the EU, and this project shows exactly that. We’re excited to continue working alongside a truly impressive lineup of organizations like the University of Seville, Doosan, Fraunhofer, Aalborg CSP, and many others in solar and thermal power generation that have come together to make ASTERIx-CAESar’s visionary ideas a reality. The urgency of making renewable energy more affordable and flexible cannot be overstated. It’s an honor to be able to contribute to such an effort, and a pleasure to see how it brings out the best in our engineering team. I’m eager to see the breakthroughs that we achieve.”
Driven by the harmful impacts of traditional fossil-fuel-based methods, SoftInWay recognizes the increased need for renewable energy sources. Through its expertise and solution-based technology, the company is excited about the role it’s playing in not only this specific project but also the potential role it can fill in upcoming energy projects to ensure a better and safer environment in future years.
