This paper introduces a novel concept of mini-hybrid solar power plant integrating a field of solar
concentrators, two superposed Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC) and a (bio-)Diesel engine. The Organic
Rankine Cycles include hermetic scroll expander-generators1 and the sun tracking solar collectors are composed
of rows of flat mirror bands (CEP) arranged in a plane, that focus the solar energy onto a collector
tube similar to those used in SEGS plants in California. Waste heat from both the exhaust gases and the
block cooling of the thermal engine are also heat sources for the ORCs. Such units meet electricity, cooling
and pumping needs of remote settlements. The thermal engine guarantees a minimum level of both power
and heat availability at night or during cloudy periods. Laboratory tests, made with the superposed ORCs
only, confirmed adequate operational characteristics with good performances over a broad range of conditions.
A few preliminary tests on the site of the solar power plant when coupled with the engine confirmed
a reasonable behavior and the interest of the concept even at part load or during sharp variations of the
thermal supply.