Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Another giant solar plant to serve Phoenix area

Arizona Public Service has committed to buying electricity from a second, giant solar energy plant. The Starwood Solar I will generate 290 megawatts in the Harquahala Valley, about 75 miles west of Phoenix, and south of I-10. It will cover 1,900 acres.

The plant will use 3,500 parabolic mirrors [right, credit APS] to heat up fluids that will turn water into steam to turn the turbines. Excess heat will go into molten salt to be used to generate electricity for up to 6 hours after sundown.

APS last year agreed to take power from the Solana Generating Station, a 280-megawatt concentrating solar power plant to be built 70 miles southwest of Phoenix, near Gila Bend.
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3 comments:

  1. Neo10:10 AM

    Why only salt is used, why not any other minerals? Any way why salt is used in the first place, how does it helps as a part of the process?

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  2. Unknown9:27 AM

    Salt is used due to its melting point, its ability to retain that heat for night conversion at a lower level of output and its cheap price.

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  3. Anonymous7:48 AM

    i am looking for a college in the new mexico area, to study about solar energies,also in geothermal energies.. any suggestions ??? sign red_raven23@hotmail.com

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