Solar Power Plants

pursuit of purest form of energy

by Saurabh kr Gautam

contents

Introduction Conversion techniques Energy storage methods Economics involved Major solar power plants in the world Advantages Scope in future

INTRODUCTION

The sun is humanitys oldest energy source, and scientists and engineers have long sought to harness the power of sunlight for a wide range of heating, lighting, and industrial tasks. Every child knows that focused sunlight is hot enough to set things afire. Engineers and scientists know that every square meter of the Earth receives 1 kilowatt of thermal energy when the sun is overhead.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Gathering and converting this energy into usable form has been explored since burning mirrors were first used in China at about 700 BC for ignition of firewood. Leonardo da Vincis notebooks contain designs for solar concentrators Intensive experimentation took place during the 18th and 19th centuries towards building practical engines powered by the sun.

Conversion techniques
All solar thermal systems capture the energy of the sun by absorbing light as heat. There are two main energy conversion techniques employed 1. Solar thermal power systems 2. Photovoltaic solar power systems

Solar thermal power systems focus sunlight, usually with mirrors, to heat a fluid to high temperatures and drive an engine These are used for large power plants

Photovoltaic power plants

Photovoltaics is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. Materials presently used for photovoltaics include monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium gallium selenide /sulfide.

Energy storage methods

Cost 4 times of the conventional coal method CSP (concentrated solar power) technology is price compatible with conventional methods A 1000 Megawatt CSP facility requires 6000 acres of land Government incentive for bio friendly technology

Energy storage methods

Solar energy can be stored at high temperatures using molten salts Use of rechargable batteries Pumped-storage hydroelectricity stores energy in the form of water pumped when surplus electricity is available

Major power plants

Advantages

Eco friendly Never ending source of power Economical in the long run Available for every country in the world

CHALLENGES

Cost cutting in installation Better storage alternatives More compact versions Development of better photovoltaic materials Improvement of efficiency

Future scope

Growing technological knowledge Amalgamation of many eco friendly techniques Positive attitude of governments

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