In the midst of the energy transition, the largest solar concentrator ever created appears. It covers 500 m² and is capable of “deflecting the sun”. Photovoltaic energy has become one of the most important renewable energies in the world, especially now that we are in a crucial process of moving away from fossil fuels. The sun can contribute to the generation of electricity, but not only with solar panels, but also with solar concentrator technology.
This device takes advantage of the intensity of the light emitted by the sun by concentrating it in a small spot. A process based on reflection similar to what happens when using a magnifying glass, but taken to the extreme. The use of this technology allows heat to be obtained, which is used to raise the temperature in tanks where water is stored.
The use of this technology causes the liquid to boil, producing steam that moves several turbines. Through a set of processes, electricity is generated without emitting a single polluting particle. It differs from a solar panel in that it reflects beams of light at the tip of a tower.
The world’s largest solar concentrator surprises: 500 m² dedicated to deflecting the Sun
The world’s largest solar concentrator measures 500 square meters (reflecting surface) and supplies electricity to a hospital. It is made of polished aluminum and has 380 hexagonal mirrors. The key to its efficiency lies in its motors, which direct it towards the sun with an accuracy of 0.01º. It is called SG4 Big Dish and is a parabolic dish.
Its disk measures 25 meters in diameter and is made of 380 hexagonal mirrors oriented towards a steam turbine. It was developed by Australian researchers and has a reflectivity of 94% and achieves 150 kW of power, enough to supply electricity to a rural hospital.
It concentrates the radiation on the focal point in front of the mirror and follows the sunlight with an advanced motor system that orients it with the aforementioned precision of 0.01°. In addition to the existing prototypes in Australia, an SG4 model was installed last year in western India. This was done to power a small hospital and research center. In cloudless instances, it can generate 400 kg of steam per hour.
Largest solar concentrator amazes at Muni Seva Ashram in Gujarat
Located in Gujarat, India, the largest solar concentrator ever created is a revolutionary breakthrough. It is expected to be able to provide enough steam to supply electricity to several locations in the territory. It is a research program that has hundreds of solar panels pointing to a precise location.
The structure will act as a sterilization system and heat storage medium in the form of pressurized water. This will allow water vapor to be enjoyed even after several hours without solar reflections.
Solar concentrator: a different way of harnessing the sun’s energy
The solar concentrator uses mirrors or lenses to focus a large amount of sunlight onto a small receiver that harnesses the heat for steam production. It also drives a turbine, which generates electricity. In addition to solar towers and parabolic dishes, parabolic trough collectors and Fresnel collectors, whose light is concentrated on a tube that passes in front of the mirrors, are common.
This technology (solar concentrator) has not had the same support as other renewable energy sources, but this project to harness the sun could make a difference. Following this same line, you cannot miss what we have to tell you about the solar concentrator for residential use.
