PROTEAS Dishes
About this facility
PROTEAS hosts two pilot Solar Stirling Dishes, each capable of producing 10 kWe and 45 kW thermal. Operational since October 2021, these high-efficiency units convert concentrated solar power into electricity, which is used on-site and fed directly to the grid. Any surplus electricity is stored in molten salt for later use via Carnot batteries. In addition to power generation, the thermal output can support industrial applications such as desalination—making the dishes a versatile solution for both electricity and process heat in renewable-driven systems.
Sectors and technologies
PROTEAS’ Solar Stirling Dishes serve multiple sectors with both heat and power. Industrial desalination plants benefit from the high-temperature thermal output for efficient water treatment, while off-grid and remote facilities gain energy autonomy. Agri-food operations use the thermal energy for drying, pasteurization, and sanitation, and sustainable manufacturing leverages it to lower emissions. Research institutions also benefit, using the system to test hybrid solar-thermal-electric setups in real-world, high- solar environments with limited grid access.
Technical specifications
10 parameters| Concentrator geometry | Parabolic Dish, dual-axis tracking |
|---|---|
| applications and is known for high thermal-to-electric efficiency | PCS |
| Nominal power [kW] | 10 kWe, 25 kWth |
| Working fluid | Helium (grade 4.6) |
| Nominal power on target [kW] | <50 kW at DNI over 1000 W/m2 |
| Total reflective area [m2] | 58 m2 |
| Peak flux on target [kW/m2] | 40 kW on 0.05 m2, 800 kW/m2 |
| Maximum sun concentration | Concentration Ratio 1150-1200 |
| Power conversion system | applications and is known for high thermal-to-electric efficiency PCS |
| Special features | concentrate solar radiation onto a receiver powering a 10 kWe |
Available services
- Solar Radiation Measurement and Weather Station
- DNI Measurement and Analysis
- Characterization of Optical Properties of Solar Reflectors
- Outdoor exposure of Solar Reflectors
- Optical Properties of Mirrors. Reflectance measurement. Facets characterization
- Photogrammetry Measurement of Concentrator’s shape
- Geometrical assessment of Solar Concentrators (Single Facets, Point and Line Focus Collectors)
- Heliostat(s) Performance Qualification
- Testing in molten salt loop of auxiliary components (valves, heat tracing, instrumentation)
- Sensor development and testing
- Heat Exchangers Characterization
- Molten salt pool to steam heat exchangers
- Simulation and modelling of thermal storage systems. Integration in STE plants or industrial heat processes
- Solar Thermal Desalination by Multi-Effect Distillation
- Innovative membrane desalination technologies (MD, FO)
Contact & links
Marios C. Georgiou <m.c.georgiou@cyi.ac.cy>; Harris Chrysanthou <h.chrysanthou@cyi.ac.cy>; coordina