Australia Breaks Ground On Brayton Cycle Solar Thermal Tower
Work has begun on Australia’s largest Brayton Cycle solar-thermal tower system at the CSIRO National Solar Energy Centre in Newcastle, New South Wales.
CSIRO is the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia’s national science agency, is one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world.
The solar-thermal tower’s 450 large mirrors, called heliostats, are part of an advanced new solar technology which has been developed by CSIRO and manufactured by the Performance Engineering Group.
With the development of this new solar technology, CSIRO aims to generate electricity at the same cost, or cheaper than that produced by fossil fuel.
The heliostats’ large mirror panels, 2.4 x 1.8m in size with a specific concave shape to achieve a highly accurate reflection point, concentrate the sun’s rays to create temperatures of up to 1000°C.
The CSIRO’s Dr. Alex Wonhas says that the economical design of the heliostats will make solar fields more cost effective to build and operate.
Lightweight steel frames holding the mirrors have been especially created for commercial mass production.
While the heliostat units are smaller than many of those now in use around the world, they are just as efficient, easier to install and cost effective.
The heliostat field is part of CSIRO’s new solar Brayton Cycle project – a solar tower and field that generates electricity from just the air and sun.
The CSIRO’s heliostat work has been supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Solar Institute as part of the Clean Energy Initiative.
Click here to see the latest data and charts on Australia’s competitive advantages
Topics: 2010, Australia, Brayton Cycle, Brayton Cycle solar-thermal tower system, business, clean energy, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, CSIRO, Dr. Alex Wonhas, economic development, economic growth, economic recovery, Economy, employment, energy, Governance, government, heliostats, investment, jobs, moniter, monitor, news, Performance Engineering Group, renewable energy, science, society, solar power
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
