Affordable Solar & Wind

Solar Power Tower

A solar tower is a device that converts solar thermal energy (heat from the sun) into electricity. Solar towers are used for large-scale power generation.

The Basic Component Parts of a Solar Tower Energy Plant:

• Solar Tower - The solar tower is simply a large structure with a boiler (a tank used to heat liquids) at the top. The boiler collects the heat from the sun. It is also referred to as the "central tower" or "power tower".
• Heliostats - These are moveable mirrors that track the sun and reflect the sunlight at the top of the solar tower where the heat is collected. These mirrors move as the sun moves, so as to continuously reflect maximum sunlight toward the tower.
• Heat Transfer Fluid - We use the term "heat transfer fluid" because not all solar towers use the same. Early solar towers used water to collect the heat from the sun. Some solar towers use liquid sodium. Whichever liquid is used, it is referred to as "heat transfer fluid."
• Heat Storage - Because we still want to generate energy at night after the sun is gone, newer solar towers have methods of storing heat so that it can be used during the night to continue generating electricity.
• Steam Generator - As stated earlier, liquid sodium is now used to collect the heat, and the liquid sodium is then used to generate steam.
• Steam Turbine - This is a generator that uses steam to generate electrical power. This is the same set-up as is used in a conventional power plant.

How Does a Solar Tower Work?

Computer controlled mirrors (called heliostats) follow the sun, adjusting their position as the sun moves, and reflect sunlight toward the top of the solar tower, where a heat collector tank is located. Of course, more than one heliostat is needed, so an arrangement of hundreds or even thousands of heliostats is used.

The combined reflected sunlight of these heliostats is capable of producing temperatures as high as 550 degrees, Celsius at the focus point.

Thus, the liquid inside the boiler is rapidly heated and is then pumped downward into storage tanks, or is pumped directly into to a heat exchanger where it is used to make steam.

The steam produced by the heat exchanger is then led through a steam turbine, which uses the steam to generate electricity.

As an interesting note, liquid sodium can be used as a heat transfer/storage liquid, because of its ability to hold and store heat efficiently. Large storage tanks can be used to hold the heated liquid sodium. The stored "heat" can then be used at night, so as to continue generating steam which is used to generate electricity.

Currently, there are two solar towers in operation using the above design. The 64 MW Nevada Solar One and 11 MW PS10 solar power tower in Spain.

Solar tower energy is categorized as CSP (concentrated solar power) technology. There are several other power plant designs which use concentrated solar power technology. This includes the parabolic trough and the solar dish engine.

About the Author

Learn more
Solar Energy Information
and
find out how you can
Save Money with Solar Power.

The 2009 National Solar Energy Champion of the Year - Senator Harry Reid of Nevada

Electrical Lines at Nevada Solar One $39.99 Michael Melford Electrical Lines at Nevada Solar One - Photographic Print

Solar Energy Kit $17.99 This kit will help you learn about the amazing power of solar energy! With the rapidly rising cost of conventional energy, Solar Power will become increasingly important as it taps the limitless energy of the sun. Solar Cell converts light energy into electrical energy. Contents include a five solar

Hermansburg Solar Energy Receiver $39.99 Stephen Alvarez Hermansburg Solar Energy Receiver - Photographic Print

A Young Girl Experiments with Solar Energy $39.99 John Burcham A Young Girl Experiments with Solar Energy - Photographic Print

Hermansburg Solar Energy Receiver Array $39.99 Stephen Alvarez Hermansburg Solar Energy Receiver Array - Photographic Print

Solar Thermal Energy $90.81 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Solar thermal energy (STE) is a technology for harnessing solar energy for thermal energy (heat). Solar thermal collectors are defined by the USA Energy Information Administration as low, medium, or hightemperature collectors. Low temperature collectors are flat plates generally used to heat swimming pools. Mediumtemperature collectors are also usually flat plates but are used for creating hot water for residential and commercial use. High temperature collectors concentrate sunlight using mirrors or lenses and are generally used for electric power production. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 132 Publication Date: 2010/07/13 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.31 inches

Salesman Demonstrating Solar Battery at the International Conference on Solar Energy $79.99 J. R. Eyerman Salesman Demonstrating Solar Battery at the International Conference on Solar Energy - Premium Photographic Print

PoofSlinky 02010 Minilab Solar Energy Kit $26.65 A complete lab with solar collector solar heater energy focusing lens thermometer and more than 25 energy conservation experiments. Harness the power of the Sun with the Solar Energy Kit. Collect and measure energy using a variety of solar tools. Easily conduct experiments and activities using the 16 page instruction booklet included.

Poof Slinky 02010 Minilab Solar Energy Kit $27.43 A complete lab with solar collector solar heater energy focusing lens thermometer and more than 25 energy conservation experiments Harness the power of the sun with the solar energy kit Collect and measure energy using a variety of solar tools. Easily conduct experiments and activities using the 16 page Instruction booklet included.

The European Solar Energy Market $114.71 Solar energy holds the highest potential among renewable energy sources and is thus a vital driver for a future shift in the primary energy mix. So far little research has been done which takes into account a truly interdisciplinary approach. The paper outlines the political and legal framework for the European solar energy market and analyses the implications for the linkage between environmental and social sustainability and profitability. Market analyses show the effect of certain policies, room for improvement as well as chances and risks from the exporters point of view. They identify administrative hurdles which should be eliminated and show as well that feedin tariffs are much more effective than direct investment subsidies. The argument for taking into account external costs is derived from life cycle analyses showing the high degree of sustainability as well as profitability for the society as a whole. Exporters will find a very promising and dynamic and therefore volatile market in some European as well as overseas countries. Author: Drescher, Daniel Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 152 Publication Date: 2008/12/01 Language: English Dimensions: 9.00 x 6.00 x 0.33 inches

Solar Energy Research $47.39 This is a collection of 38 articles and essays by 31 different scientists on various aspects of research into Solar Energy. It sets forth areas where future research is likely to lead to scientific breakthroughs. While the work may seem dated, it is really not, because additional research into these same areas is still needed.The authors include C. G. Abbot, Lawrence B. Anderson, Werner A. Baum, L. M. K. Boelter, H. J. Bowlden, F. A. Brooks, William M. Conn, Farrington Daniels, E. J. Drake, John A. Duffie, J. Farber, A. W. Fisher, Jr., Paul A. Flinn, M. L. Ghai, Lawrence J. Heidt, Jeremiah T. Herlihy, Harold Heywood, Hoyt C. Hottel, Everett D. Howe, Henry Linschitz, George O. G. Lof, R. L. Meier, Ralph A. Morgen, Palmer Cosslett Putnam, Eugene Rabinowitch, K. S. Spiegler, Maria Telkes, D. Trivich, Felix Trombe, Austin Whillier and Oliver R. Wulf. Solar Energy Research is the result of a symposium on solar energy organized by the University of Wisconsin and sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The informal talks presented at this symposium and the discussions and suggestions which followed them were the genesis of Solar Energy Research. Supplementary material was obtained from experts in various parts of the world who had been unable to attend the symposium. Author: Daniels, Farrington/ Duffie, John A./ Sloan, Sam Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 320 Publication Date: 2010/10/17 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.72 inches

Photovoltaic Solar Energy Generation $301.11 This comprehensive description and discussion of photovoltaics (PV) is presented at a level that makes it accessible to the interested academic. Starting with an historical overview, the text outlines the relevance of photovoltaics today and in the future. Then follows an introduction to the physical background of solar cells and the most important materials and technologies, with particular emphasis placed on future developments and prospects. The book goes beyond technology by also describing the path from the cell to the module to the system, proceeding to important applications such as gridconnected and standalone systems. The composition and development of the markets and the role of PV in future energy systems are also considered. Finally, the discussion turns to the future structure of energy supplies, expected to comprise more distributed generation, and addresses synergies and competition from other carbonfree energy sources. Author: Goetzberger, Adolf/ Hoffmann, Volker Uwe Series Title: Springer Series in Optical Sciences Series Number: 112 Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 244 Publication Date: 2010/12/16 Language: English Dimensions: 9.55 x 5.66 x 0.56 inches

Solar Energy Collectors, Segs Plant, Mojave, CA $24.99 E. J. West Solar Energy Collectors, Segs Plant, Mojave, CA - Photographic Print

Deployment of Solar Power to Energy Grids $90.81 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Deployment of solar power to energy grids depends largely upon local conditions and requirements. Many industrialized nations are installing significant solar power capacity in their grids as a reliable economic supplement or alternative to other power sources. Long distance transmission allows remote renewable energy resources to be used to displace fossil fuel consumption. Solar, hydro and wind sources cant be moved closer to high population cities, and solar costs are lowest in remote areas where local power needs are the least. Connection costs alone can determine whether any particular renewable alternative is economically sensible. Costs can be prohibitive for transmission lines. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 150 Publication Date: 2010/09/09 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.35 inches

Slinky Science Solar Energy Science Kit $9.99 Help your child go green with this solar lab science kit. This kit comes complete with solar collector, solar heater, energy-focusing lens, thermometer, and more than 25 energy conservation experiments. Harness the power of the sun as you and your child collect and measure energy using a variety of solar tools. Easily conduct experiments and activities using the 16 page instruction booklet included. For ages 8 years and up.

Elenco EDU3050 Solar Energy Kit for Ages 8 and Up $18.14 All you need to build your own complete solar energy lab. Kit includes over 25 sunny and fun experiments. Learn about conservation of energy. Complete with solar energy collector and solar heater. Study light optics and magnification.

POOFSlinky 03005 Solar Energy All About Rocks Combo Pack $37.73 Combo contains Solar Energy Kit and All About Rocks The Solar Energy lab is a complete lab with solar collector solar heater energy focusing lens thermometer and more than 25 energy conservation experiments Harness the power of the Sun with the Solar Energy Kit Using the All About Rocks collect and measure energy using a variety of solar tools. Start your own rock collection and grow beautiful crystals Learn about and experiment with 8 different types of rock. Learn how to smash the toughest rock in the world

Nevada $19.99 Nevada - T-Shirt

Solar Water Heating $68.51 Solar Water Heating. Solar energy, Solar combisystem, Solar heating, Solar thermal energy Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 68 Publication Date: 2009/09/22 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.16 inches

Sunsolar Energy Technologies SOLARWL Solar Water Lilly $37.18 The Sunsolar Water Lilly is a solar powered light for your swimming pool or garden. It is 100 solar powered and 100 waterproof. Changes color and comes with a pole for alternate placement in your garden pathway or anywhere you like it.

Main Mirror and the Parabolic Mirror of the French Solar Furnace Where the Energy Is Distributed $79.99 Main Mirror and the Parabolic Mirror of the French Solar Furnace Where the Energy Is Distributed - Premium Photographic Print

Wide-Angle View of Solar Panels Used to Generate Energy $39.99 Richard Nowitz Wide-Angle View of Solar Panels Used to Generate Energy - Photographic Print

Poof Products Inc.Slinky SLT02010 Solar Energy Mini Lab $26.62 Educators Resource offers products for preK8 learning materials and educational toys used by schools teachers parents and children. A complete lab with solar collector solar heater energy focusing lens thermometer and more than 25 energy conservation experiments. Harness the power of the Sun with the Solar Energy Kit. Collect and measure energy using a variety of solar tools. Easily conduct experiments and activities using the 16 page instruction booklet included.

Active Solar $71.7 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Active solar technologies are employed to convert solar energy into usable light, heat, cause air movement for ventilation or cooling, or store heat for future use. Active solar uses electrical or mechanical equipment, such as pumps and fans, to increase the usable heat in a system. Solar energy collection and utilization systems that do not use external energy, like a solar chimney, are classified as passive solar technologies. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 84 Publication Date: 2010/12/27 Language: English Dimensions: 9.02 x 5.98 x 0.20 inches

The Solar Project $58.94 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles In 1995 Solar One was converted into Solar Two, by adding a second ring of 108 larger 95 m (1,000 ft ) heliostats around the existing Solar One, totaling 1926 heliostats with a total area of 82,750 m (891,000 ft ). This gave Solar Two the ability to produce 10 megawatts. Solar Two used molten salt, a combination of 60 sodium nitrate and 40 potassium nitrate, as an energy storage medium instead of oil or water as with Solar One. This helped in energy storage during brief interruptions in sunlight due to clouds. The molten salt also allowed the energy to be stored in large tanks for future use such as night time.Solar Two proved it could run continuously around the clock producing power. Solar Two was decommissioned in 1999, and was converted by the University of California, Davis, into an Air Cherenkov Telescope in 2001, measuring gamma rays hitting the atmosphere. Its name is now C.A.C.T.U.S.. Solar Twos 3 primary participants were Southern California Edison (SCE), the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 74 Publication Date: 2010/07/21 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.18 inches

Solar Chimney $81.25 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles A solar chimney often referred to as a thermal chimney is a way of improving the natural ventilation of buildings by using convection of air heated by passive solar energy. A simple description of a solar chimney is that of a vertical shaft utilizing solar energy to enhance the natural stack ventilation through a building.The solar chimney has been in use for centuries, particularly in the Middle east, as well as by the Romans. In its simplest form, the solar chimney consists of a blackpainted chimney. During the day solar energy heats the chimney and the air within it, creating an updraft of air in the chimney. The suction created at the chimneys base can be used to ventilate and cool the building below. In most parts of the world it is easier to harness wind power for such ventilation as is done with a Badgir ( ), but on hot windless days a Solar chimney can provide ventilation where otherwise there would be none. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 106 Publication Date: 2010/07/31 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.25 inches

Solar Shingles $90.81 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Solar shingles, also called photovoltaic shingles, are photovoltaic cells designed to look like conventional asphalt shingles. There are several varieties of solar shingles, including shinglesized solid panels that take the place of a number of conventional shingles in a strip, semirigid designs containing several silicon solar cells that are sized more like conventional shingles, and newer systems using various thin film solar cell technologies that match conventional shingles both in size and flexibility. Solar shingles are manufactured by companies including SunPower Corporation, Solar Components Corporation, Atlantis Energy Systems, and Dow Chemical. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 148 Publication Date: 2010/07/14 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.34 inches

Solar Energy By Sohn, Emily/ Ohlenroth, Patricia $36.86 Describes the many uses and powers of the Suns energy weather patterns, creating electricity, and more. As readers use scientific inquiry to learn about how to capture and use the power of solar energy, an activity based on real world situations challenges them to apply what theyve learned in order to solve a puzzle Author: Sohn, Emily/ Ohlenroth, Patricia Series Title: iScience Readers Subtitle: Saving the School Budget Publication Date: 2011/07/15 Number of Pages: 48 Binding Type: Library Grade Level: 46 Language: English Depth: 0.25 Width: 7.25 Height: 8.75