Category: Our Technology

Power tower is a type of concentrating solar thermal (CST) power system that concentrates solar radiation from a large field of mirrors, called heliostats, onto a central receiver located on a tower. The heliostats are computer-controlled and track the sun’s movement to reflect and focus the sunlight onto the receiver. The receiver absorbs the concentrated sunlight and converts it into thermal energy, which is used to heat a working fluid, typically molten salt, to high temperatures of up to 1,000°C. The hot molten salt is then used to generate steam, which drives a conventional steam turbine to produce electricity. Power towers have the potential to achieve higher temperatures and therefore greater energy conversion efficiency compared to other CST systems such as parabolic troughs.

A parabolic trough is a type of solar thermal system that utilizes large reflective parabolic troughs to concentrate solar energy onto a central receiver tube, where it is absorbed. The troughs rotate on one axis to track the movement of the Sun throughout the day. A working fluid, typically oil, is circulated through the receiver and heated to temperatures of around 400ºC. The absorbed heat is then used to generate steam, which is used to power a conventional steam turbine generator. Some parabolic trough systems are capable of generating steam directly.

A solar chimney is a renewable energy technology that uses solar power to create airflow and generate electricity. The system consists of a tall chimney with a large collector area at the base. The collector area is covered in a dark material that absorbs solar radiation and heats up the air inside. The hot air then rises up the chimney, creating a natural airflow that drives a turbine, which generates electricity.

Solar chimneys can be used in a variety of applications, from small-scale systems for homes or businesses to large-scale power plants. The technology is particularly well-suited to hot, arid regions where there is plenty of sunlight and a need for sustainable energy sources. Solar chimneys have a number of advantages over other renewable energy sources, including their ability to generate power continuously, regardless of weather conditions. They also have low operating costs and require minimal maintenance. However, they are currently not as widely used as other renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels or wind turbines.