A solar tower is an energy-generating structure that resembles a tower and uses mirrors to focus sunlight. It is also called a heliostat or a central tower-power plant. An array of flat and movable mirrors transmits the sun's rays. This structure utilizes concentrated sunlight for electricity generation and other useful energy.
Avian vaporizers
These solar power towers are known as "avianvaporizers". The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System power Tower has been responsible for the deaths of over 100 birds. The intense solar flux creates an extremely hot ring of energy that traps the birds. Basin & Range Watch obtained a Freedom of Information Act-compliant video showing biologists filming birds in solar flux. Scientists comment on the phenomenon by observing the birds, which include horned and larks. The video also shows mirrors in their normal position. This creates a deadly ring that traps birds.
Heat engines
Researchers at MIT have created a heat engine that converts thermal energy from electricity. This new device has higher conversion efficiency than traditional steam turbines and doesn't have moving parts. It converts higher-energy photons from white-hot heat sources to electrical energy using a thermophotovoltaic device.
Downdraft energy towers
It is a revolutionary way of generating green electricity. These towers harness the energy of solar and wind to generate electricity. Philip Carson invented downdraft towers in 1975. Technion Israel Institute of Technology works to improve it. The company claims it will produce plenty of green electricity at a reasonable price.
Heliostats
The reflective area of a heliostat is composed of several mirrors. Sometimes, the area can exceed 150 square metres. Heliostats are designed to maximize the reflection of solar energy while minimizing the weight. They must also not damage the tower's two-axis movement. Optic losses can be larger for larger surfaces. Furthermore, larger surfaces require frequent optimization and maintenance.
Bird and insect deaths
A solar power plant in California is causing a major problem for birds and insects. The intense beams that are emitted from the towers cause birds' deaths by igniting mid-air. This has already led to the deaths of thousands of birds, insects and other animals. According to the most recent study on solar power plants, between 37.800 - 138.600 avian deaths are caused by them each year. Those figures are not surprising given the fact that solar power plants have significantly fewer fatalities than windows or fossil fuel power plants.
Environmental impact
Solar towers have a variety of impacts on the environment. Water wastage is one of the most serious issues. Solar power plants can use large amounts of water to cool turbine generators or clean equipment. This can cause damage to local ecosystems in areas with high desert conditions.