How to invent a new solar energy method that is cheaper than thermal and nuclear power plants

Sergiy Yurko・2 minutes read

Concave mirrors can focus solar radiation for electricity production using various methods, with mirror dishes and motionless mirrors being efficient alternatives due to their ability to generate cheaper and reliable electricity even in unfavorable weather conditions. The use of heat storages, thermal oil, and seasonal adjustments in mirror angles optimize solar energy absorption, allowing proposed solar power plants to generate electricity comparable to nuclear reactors by converting solar radiation into thermal energy.

Insights

  • Utilizing motionless mirrors in solar power generation can enhance efficiency and reduce costs compared to rotating mirror dishes, as they eliminate the need for constant tracking of the sun's movement, offering advantages in both functionality and economics.
  • The type and cost of mirrors used in solar power plants significantly impact the overall cost of electricity production, with cheaper reflective films providing cost-effective options despite shorter lifespans, while more expensive materials offer increased durability, highlighting a trade-off between initial investment and long-term sustainability in solar energy projects.

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Recent questions

  • How can solar radiation be utilized for electricity generation?

    Solar radiation can be focused by concave mirrors to produce electricity using small solar panels, Sterling engines, or mirror dishes that convert radiation into thermal energy for turbines. This process allows for the generation of solar electricity, which can be a cost-effective and reliable alternative to traditional methods.

  • What is the advantage of using mirror dishes for solar electricity generation?

    Turbines utilizing heat storages from mirror dishes can generate cheaper and more reliable solar electricity compared to traditional methods. This allows for electricity generation even at night or on non-sunny days, making it a more efficient and sustainable option.

  • How do mirror dishes optimize solar radiation absorption?

    Mirror dishes must rotate throughout the day to track the sun's movement, but an alternative method involves motionless mirrors that do not require constant rotation. This enhances efficiency by ensuring optimal solar radiation absorption without the need for continuous adjustments.

  • What is the significance of adjusting the vertical angle of mirrors seasonally?

    The vertical angle of mirrors must be adjusted seasonally to optimize solar radiation absorption, with motionless mirrors offering advantages over rotating devices in terms of cost and efficiency. This adjustment ensures maximum efficiency in capturing solar energy for electricity generation.

  • What role do heat transfer fluids play in solar electricity production?

    Heat transfer fluids like thermal oil are used to transfer energy from mirrors to turbines, with excess energy stored in heat storages for nighttime or non-sunny day electricity generation. This process helps in efficiently converting solar radiation into thermal energy for electricity generation, making it a crucial component in solar power plants.

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Summary

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Efficient Solar Power Generation Using Mirrors

  • Solar radiation can be focused by concave mirrors to produce electricity using small solar panels, Sterling engines, or mirror dishes that convert radiation into thermal energy for turbines.
  • Turbines utilizing heat storages from mirror dishes can generate cheaper and more reliable solar electricity compared to traditional methods, allowing for electricity generation even at night or on non-sunny days.
  • Mirror dishes must rotate throughout the day to track the sun's movement, but an alternative method involves motionless mirrors that do not require constant rotation, enhancing efficiency.
  • The vertical angle of mirrors must be adjusted seasonally to optimize solar radiation absorption, with motionless mirrors offering advantages over rotating devices in terms of cost and efficiency.
  • A proposed solar power plant utilizing motionless mirrors over a large area can generate electricity comparable to a nuclear reactor, with each mirror requiring a receiver for converting solar radiation into thermal energy.
  • Heat transfer fluids like thermal oil are used to transfer energy from mirrors to turbines, with excess energy stored in heat storages for nighttime or non-sunny day electricity generation.
  • The cost of solar electricity production is significantly influenced by the type and cost of mirrors used, with cheaper reflective films offering cost-effective options despite shorter lifespans, while more expensive materials provide longer durability.
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