With energy prices rising and an increasing awareness of the damage that using fossil fuels might be causing to the environment there is a will to commercialize other kinds of power generation. FFPOWER These types of energy are generically termed renewable energy and include things like wave and wind power. A standard type of renewable energy that doesn’t have negative effects on the environment is solar power. Solar powered energy has been used for tens and thousands of years but it’s only in the last fifty years that photovoltaic (PV) technology has been used to generate electricity. In early days of this technology, it absolutely was simply too inefficient to be viewed as a practical option to fossil fuels for powering towns and cities. It was also expensive therefore it ended up being found in remote areas where there clearly was no connection to the grid or for those who have plenty of money. Over time the technology has improved the efficiency and the purchase price has come down.
Governments may also be encouraging the development and utilization of solar energy by offering tax breaks and grants. It has started people considering creating solar energy power stations and providing energy for tens and thousands of people at any given time and eventually supporting towns and cities. Indeed some solar energy stations already exist and some are in the planning stage which are so grand in ambition and design that they can dwarf most of the biggest structures ever built by mankind. This information will discuss how a solar energy power station works and some power stations which are already operational and some which are planned in the future.
The existing solar energy station is made up of large amount of solar reflectors (known as heliostats). They are formed in a circle around a solar tower. The purpose of the heliostats is to direct the suns energy to the root of the solar tower. This highly concentrated heat rises up the tower and along the way runs turbines or gets hotter liquid. The turbines are used to create electricity or the liquid is changed to steam which can also be used to operate electricity generating turbines. The European solar energy station currently supports 6000 homes in and around Seville in Spain. The hopes are that it will ultimately support the entire city as how many heliostats is increased. The Australian project aims to provide electricity to 100,000 homes.
Other Considerations Of The Solar Energy Power Station
Obviously the precise location of the power station is paramount. It must be located in areas where sunlight shines a lot. Southern Spain and outback Australia tick this box but many other areas on the planet might not be able to guarantee the sunlight. The size of each structure is huge so there needs to be plenty of space. Again, Spain and Australia have the area but this might not be available in high density living areas like major cities.
The expense of making a solar energy power station is far more difficult and costly than a traditional power station however the thinking with this cost will change in the near future. As fossil fuels go up in price it is going to be prudent to really have a solar or other type of renewable energy generator in place. People are more receptive to renewable energy production compared to the other option to fossil fuels energy, namely nuclear power.