MULTIPLE ACCESS SOLAR ENERGY UNIT, A METHOD OF DESIGNING A MULTIPLE ACCESS SOLAR ENERGY UNIT, AND A METHOD OF OPERATION THEREFROM

In one aspect, the invention provides a solar energy unit that comprises at least one energy extraction location that are positioned specifically such that the energy obtained from the location is capable of operating at least one process in a process plant. The invention also provides a method for designing a solar energy unit that comprises strategically positioned energy extraction location. The invention also provides a method for operating at least one process in a process plant using the solar energy unit as described herein in another aspect. The methods for designing and operating may be achieved through the solutions obtained from mathematical numerical formulations. In a further aspect, the invention includes a system for use in a process plant that includes the solar energy unit of the invention, wherein the system incorporates the methods described herein.