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SA Test Solar generation option
| Author: |
engineeringnews.co.za |
| Date: |
2002-04-13 00:00:00 |
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Energy utility Eskom and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) have announced the proposed launch of a solar dish-engine system, which will be erected at the premises of DBSA.
"Through this project, Eskom will evaluate the technical operation of the system and whether it can be applied as a cost-effective option for stand-alone generation," said Eskom GM research, development and demonstration Greg Tosen.
The main parts of the system are the dish and the power-conversion unit, which includes the thermal receiver and generator.
The dish is the primary solar component of the system, collecting the solar energy coming directly from the sun.
The resultant solar beam has all the power of the sunlight hitting the dish, but is concentrated in a small area so that it can be used more efficiently.
Glass mirrors reflect about 92% of the sunlight that hits them, are relatively inexpensive, can be cleaned, and last a long time in an outdoor environment.
The composite parabolic mirror is 11 m high and 11 m wide, and is a good choice for the reflective surface of a solar concentrator.
The thermal receiver absorbs the concentrated beam, converts it to heat and transfers the heat to the generator, which then produces electricity.
The most common type of heat engine used in these solar systems is the Stirling engine.
"Solar dish-engine systems convert sunlight into electricity at higher efficiencies than any other solar technology.
"The current record is held by a solar dish stirling system that converted 29,4% of the incident sunlight into electrical power," explains Tosen.
"We are honoured to be part of such an initiative," said DBSA project manager Martin Greyling.
This forms part of our strategic thrust in developing strong partnerships with other stakeholders.
"The DBSA hopes that this project will go a long way in the provision of energy, particularly in the rural areas of our country.
"This forms part of our role of making a difference in the lives of the people of the Southern African region," said Greyling.
This renewable solar energy source has many benefits, it is abundant, safe and reliable, and it saves energy.
This project is part of Eskom?s SABRE-Gen solar thermal electric (STE) programme, which is aimed at the evaluation and assessment of STE technologies for implementation in Southern Africa.
The objective is to look at promising options and assess their financial and economic potential in the country.
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