A state-of-the-art solar tower system, developed by researchers in Qatar and Jordan, is poised to revolutionize the generation of renewable energy with its capability to produce power day and night. This new system, in contrast to traditional solar tower designs, combines two technologies to significantly increase power output, representing a promising development in the realm of sustainable energy.
The ground-breaking “twin-technology solar system” consists of two towers, one enclosed within the other, working in tandem to propel air through turbines and generate power. Unlike photovoltaic panels, solar updraft towers operate on the concept of hot air ascending, and the new system capitalizes on this natural phenomenon to generate energy.
At the core of the design lies a substantial circular glass collector, measuring 250 meters in diameter and suspended several meters above ground level. This collector utilizes the sun’s rays to heat the air beneath its canopy, which then rises towards a central tower and passes through turbines to produce energy. What distinguishes this system is the incorporation of a secondary tower surrounding the inner tower, introducing an innovative method to improve thermal efficiency and power output.
The researchers, from Qatar University and Jordan’s Hussein Technical University, emphasized the limitations of traditional solar updraft towers, particularly in terms of thermal efficiency and initial costs. Despite prior efforts to enhance these towers, such as improving ventilation performance and increasing chimney height, the resulting advancements were minimal at best. Consequently, the overall impact of these towers has been constrained by their high construction costs.
The breakthrough in this new system lies in the addition of the external tower, which plays a crucial role in enhancing overall efficiency and power output. By dispersing a water mist at the top of the external tower, the hot, dry air is cooled and made denser, creating a downdraft that propels turbines located at the base of the external tower. This astute integration of the external tower significantly amplifies power generation, with the system producing 2.14 times the power of a traditional solar updraft tower.
While the performance of the external tower is influenced by seasonal variations in temperature and humidity, the researchers noted its capability to operate consistently throughout the day, rendering it capable of producing 24-hour power. However, the system is best suited for deployment in remote areas with hot and arid climates, as it is significantly affected by high humidity and necessitates continuous access to water. Future improvements to the system will involve integrating other renewable technologies and exploring opportunities for scalability, indicating the potential for further advancements in this pioneering renewable energy solution.
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