Energy obtained from the sunlight is termed as concentrating solar power. Parabolic shaped troughs are used to collect energy from the Sun. Solar power station in Kramer Junction in California is one such example. Fossil fuel is also used in many others as a source of heat to heat water. This generates steam which is used to run large sized turbines and provides the spin to generator to generate electricity. Recently, more advanced electrical power generators make use of focusing solar radiation actually as their heat source.
Typically linear concentrator, dish or engine, and power tower system are three foremost varieties of concentrating solar power systems. Long rectangular mirrors which are curved in shape to focus the energy from the Sun to use it, is employed in linear concentrators. These mirrors are directed in the direction of the Sun which collects light from the Sun on the receivers (or tubes) that lie along the length of the mirrors. A fluid circulates through these tubes which got heat up. This heated fluid is then utilized to boil water usual turbine generator running on energy coming from the steam to generate electricity. Linear concentrators are further classified into parabolic trough systems and Fresnel reflector systems. Receiver tubes are oriented in line with the central line of parabolic mirrors in the former type, and one receiver tube is oriented over many mirrors so as it is easier for the mirror to follow the Sun.
Engine or dish system employs a huge satellite like mirrored dish which allows and focuses radiations from the Sun on a receiver, also called thermal receiver. Its absorbing surface accumulates the heat and takes it to the engine generator. Stirling engine is the commonest of its types. Pistons are installed inside which arte run by the energy from heated fluid thus making mechanical power. This mechanical power further runs a generator and produces electrical energy.
Power tower system employs heliostats which are flat mirrors to direct and focus light from the Sun to a tower top where it is received by a receiver. Heated fluid runs the turbine which in turn runs the generator to create electricity. Water or steam is also used in a few of them as a fluid medium to heat transfer. Researches on molten nitrate salt are also in progress owing to its greater heat transfer and energy storage potentials which allows its unhindered working at night time and overcast weather.
Typically linear concentrator, dish or engine, and power tower system are three foremost varieties of concentrating solar power systems. Long rectangular mirrors which are curved in shape to focus the energy from the Sun to use it, is employed in linear concentrators. These mirrors are directed in the direction of the Sun which collects light from the Sun on the receivers (or tubes) that lie along the length of the mirrors. A fluid circulates through these tubes which got heat up. This heated fluid is then utilized to boil water usual turbine generator running on energy coming from the steam to generate electricity. Linear concentrators are further classified into parabolic trough systems and Fresnel reflector systems. Receiver tubes are oriented in line with the central line of parabolic mirrors in the former type, and one receiver tube is oriented over many mirrors so as it is easier for the mirror to follow the Sun.
Engine or dish system employs a huge satellite like mirrored dish which allows and focuses radiations from the Sun on a receiver, also called thermal receiver. Its absorbing surface accumulates the heat and takes it to the engine generator. Stirling engine is the commonest of its types. Pistons are installed inside which arte run by the energy from heated fluid thus making mechanical power. This mechanical power further runs a generator and produces electrical energy.
Power tower system employs heliostats which are flat mirrors to direct and focus light from the Sun to a tower top where it is received by a receiver. Heated fluid runs the turbine which in turn runs the generator to create electricity. Water or steam is also used in a few of them as a fluid medium to heat transfer. Researches on molten nitrate salt are also in progress owing to its greater heat transfer and energy storage potentials which allows its unhindered working at night time and overcast weather.
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