Solar power plants. Principle of operation and prospects

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:45

Solar energy is a renewable energy. Solar power plants in Russia are becoming more widespread. Such energy is more and more confidently introduced into people's lives, and this is natural, because it not only does not dry out, but is also environmentally friendly, unlike fossil fuels. The active use of solar panels does not cause pollution of the area and emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere. Solar power plants contribute to the energy independence and security of the state.

Prospects

The sun is an inexhaustible source of energy that, when properly used, can provide enough electricity for both industry and the residential sector. Its potential is simply huge. It is the luminary that is the source of life on the planet. Converting light into energy is an old invention. Back in the 16th century, a machine was invented that pumped water due to the fact that the air heated by the sun expanded and exerted the necessary pressure. A similar unit made the printing press work at the end of the 18th century.

Working principle

Modern solar power plants capture light using photovoltaic cells. They collect the energy of the sun and convert it into electricity. For this, a mirror is used, which has a parabolic shape. Its curvature is calculated so that each point on its surface reflects the rays to the center of focus. Any solar power plant has its own power, which is measured in suns. How many times more powerful than the sun the reflected rays shine on the focus point, so much is the power of the station.

The fact is that the power of the rays of the star in its original form is not enough to generate electricity. To enhance it, magnifying glasses and concave mirrors are used, which extract a lot of heat from the light. The rays, amplified by several tens of times, carry a lot of thermal energy, which is used to heat special oil in thin tubes. When it reaches a boil, it is removed and transfers heat to the water, which forms steam. Its pressure drives a turbine that generates electricity. Under ideal conditions, this process can continue indefinitely. That is why solar power plants are so promising. There are many places on the planet with huge solar activity, such as deserts.

Problems

However, in reality, not everything is so simple. The planet and the luminary are in constant motion, and the angle of incidence of the rays is constantly changing accordingly. Therefore, special electric motors are needed, whichadjust the plane with photocells to the desired angle. This is not the only difficulty. There is also night time and the weather can get bad. In addition, solar power plants are expensive, although they pay off over time. One thing is clear that the future of mankind depends on solar energy, which is inexhaustible. In addition, it is the safest and cleanest. And hydrocarbons will definitely run out someday.