Kingfish
100 MW
I just happened to catch this on MSNBC today – Arizona's massive solar tower may power 200,000 homes
Can you believe it?
This is not the same type of solar tower going up near Las Vegas; that tower uses molten salt to store energy that is generated during the day for 24/7 power production. THIS tower uses simple thermodynamics: Desert hot air rising through a chimney at a fast clip is harnessed by wind turbines.
Intrigued, I followed with a larger search and found this on GizMag: Twice the height of the Empire State - EnviroMission plans massive solar tower for Arizona
The basics:
Air is heated at the base of the tower; the shape of the structure provides a natural escape for the hot air to rise up through the atmosphere where the air is cooler. The temperature differential between the top and the bottom is enough to create enough power to feed 200,000 homes. The cost is estimated to be 750 Million USD. They expect to be online serving power by 2015 to the L.A. market.
The pictures give a perspective on just how large this single tower will be. If it is successful, can you imagine how the desert will be dotted with these devices? I wonder what the impact will be on weather?
Wild! KF 8)
Can you believe it?
This is not the same type of solar tower going up near Las Vegas; that tower uses molten salt to store energy that is generated during the day for 24/7 power production. THIS tower uses simple thermodynamics: Desert hot air rising through a chimney at a fast clip is harnessed by wind turbines.
Intrigued, I followed with a larger search and found this on GizMag: Twice the height of the Empire State - EnviroMission plans massive solar tower for Arizona
The basics:
Air is heated at the base of the tower; the shape of the structure provides a natural escape for the hot air to rise up through the atmosphere where the air is cooler. The temperature differential between the top and the bottom is enough to create enough power to feed 200,000 homes. The cost is estimated to be 750 Million USD. They expect to be online serving power by 2015 to the L.A. market.
The pictures give a perspective on just how large this single tower will be. If it is successful, can you imagine how the desert will be dotted with these devices? I wonder what the impact will be on weather?
Wild! KF 8)