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I wonder why solar thermal isn't considered as a partial solution -- in terms of providing power well after sunset, and thereby flattening out that evening peak
by Jedd 9y ago
I wonder why solar thermal isn't considered as a partial solution -- in terms of providing power well after sunset, and thereby flattening out that evening peak.
- ghouse 9y agoIt is considered a partial solution. There are large solar thermal power plants that can store heat in the form of molten salt, and then later using that heat to flash water to steam to spin a turbine. However, this is, in most scenarios today, more expensive than simply spinning up a combustion turbine to provide power well after sunset.
- stergios 9y agoAreva Solar sells thermal power plants where the working fluids are oil and water. A challenge with solar thermal is the lower working temperature and pressure, and the inability to drive traditional size power turbines efficiently.