Solar Thermal Electric Generation Produces Electricity

SOLAR THERMAL ELECTRIC GENERATION PRODUCES ELECTRICITY 

A second technology involves a large array of sun-tracking mirrors focused so that the sun shines on the top of a central tower, where the temperature soars to about 2200°C. Much of the solar heat is carried away by a molten salt, 

A solar thermal electric-generation unit. A pipe containing. synthetic oil is positioned along a mirror-coated trough. Sunlight hitting the mirror is reflected onto the pipe and heats the oil to 370°C. The hot oil is then pumped out and used to convert water to steam in a turbine in an dearie power plant. 

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SOLAR THERMAL ELECTRIC GENERATION PRODUCES ELECTRICITY... 

The first solar-electric technology to arouse industry interest was solar-thermal energy (1,3,5,6,8). Under favorable circumstances, it can be cost-effective, as evidenced by the fact that solar-thermal gas-hybrid plants produce over 350 MW of commercial power in southern California. This power is used during peak demand to supplement that available from conventional generation. 

Three main types of concentrating collectors have evolved for use in solar thermal systems low concentration paraboHc troughs, high concentration parabohc dishes, and central receivers (Fig. 3). Higher concentration produces higher temperatures in a working fluid and makes electrical generation more efficient. 

Unlike radioisotope generators, nuclear reactors utilize the much more intense process of nuclear chain reaction. Since this process is controlled in the reactor, the energy output could be regulated depending on the system s requirements. It actually could produce twice its nominal power, if necessai"y. Nuclear reactors can pro dde greater electrical output than radioisotope generators using the same types of thermal converters. This output is comparable to that of fuel cells and solar arrays, while nuclear reactors are more durable and compact. 

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