The renewable energy front has made tremendous strides in the last decade which is no more evident than in the new solar power plant that transcends its very own definition. A solar power plant that harnesses energy long after the sun has set. In Santa Monica, CA a solar company called SolarReserve is working tirelessly to see this idea materialize.
The secret to their nocturnal harvesting lies in the stored energy of molten salt. By collecting up to seven hours worth of the sun’s energy, they are able to generate a constant flow of power. By producing this steady stream of energy, the 150MW power plant hopes to combat energy consumption during peak hours. Every year billions of dollars are spent to fire up fossil fuel power plants to accommodate energy spikes.
The Rice Solar Energy Project, set in the deserts of Palm Springs, will be comprised of 17,500 mirrors, each 24 feet by 28 feet, sitting on 12-foot poles and deflecting light towards a 538-foot concrete tower. Atop the tower will be a massive tank filled with 4.4 million gallons of molten salt. The light from the sun being deflected towards this receiver will heat the liquid salt to over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. During overcast days or night steam will be released to power an electricity-generating turbine.
The tower will be cooled by air, avoiding any controversy over the use of water commonly found in solar plants.Read more: http://www.gsjournal.com/2009/11/nocturnal-solar-power-plant/
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