Solar power generation system

A solar power generation system comprising:

• a thermal energy storage system comprising a thermal energy storage vessel defining an internal cavity containing a thermal mass composition operable to store thermal energy;
• a solar energy collection system comprising:
• a plurality of heliostats configured to reflect solar energy;
• a tower that is separate and distinct from the thermal energy storage system;
• a first closed flow loop including a solar collector comprising at least one thermal receiver mounted on the tower, the at least one thermal receiver configured to absorb solar energy and heat a first working fluid, the first closed flow loop configured to circulate the heated first working fluid between the solar collector and the thermal energy storage vessel to transfer the thermal energy to the thermal mass composition in the thermal energy storage vessel;
• and
• the plurality of heliostats configured to reflect solar energy directly onto the at least one thermal receiver;
• a power generation system comprising a second closed flow loop including a turbine, the second closed flow loop configured to circulate a second working fluid through the thermal energy storage vessel of the thermal energy storage system to absorb the thermal energy from the thermal mass composition for introduction to the turbine;
• and
• an electric generator operably coupled to the turbine to produce electricity.

A solar power generation system comprising:

• a thermal energy storage system comprising a thermal energy storage vessel defining an internal space containing a thermal mass composition operable to store thermal energy, wherein the thermal mass composition comprises a mixture of metallic granular particles and a phase change material;
• a solar energy collection system comprising a first closed flow loop including a solar collector configured to absorb solar energy and heat a first working fluid, the first closed flow loop configured to circulate the heated first working fluid between the solar collector and the thermal energy storage vessel to transfer the thermal energy to the thermal mass composition in the thermal energy storage vessel;
• a power generation system comprising a second closed flow loop including a turbine, the second closed flow loop configured to circulate a second working fluid through the plurality of heat exchanger modules to absorb the thermal energy from the thermal mass composition for introduction to the turbine;
• and
• an electric generator operably coupled to the turbine to produce electricity.