A solar-generating structure, also known as a tower or heliotrope, is called a solar tower. It uses mirrors for focusing sunlight and looks similar to a tower. It can also be called a central tower power station or a Heliostat. An array of flat, moving mirrors reflects the sun's rays. This structure generates electricity from concentrated sunlight.
Avian vaporizers
These solar power towers are known as "avianvaporizers". More than 100 birds were killed by the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System Power Tower. Intense solar flux traps birds and creates a dangerous ring of heat energy. 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 how the mirrors are in the standing position, creating a dangerous ring with bird-trapping fluid.
Heat engines
Researchers from MIT (NREL), have created a heat-engine that converts thermal energy into electric power. This new device has higher conversion efficiency than traditional steam turbines and doesn't have moving parts. The thermophotovoltaic cells converts higher-energy photons generated by white-hot heat sources into electrical energy.
Downdraft energy towers
It is a revolutionary way of generating green electricity. These towers use the power of wind or solar energy to generate power. The idea for downdraft towers was patented by Philip Carson in 1975, and the Technion Israel Institute of Technology is currently working to perfect 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. This area can sometimes exceed 150 square meters in some cases. Heliostats maximize the solar energy reflection while keeping the weight down. They also need to avoid affecting the tower's 2-axis movement. However, optical losses will be greater if the heliostat has a larger surface area. Also, larger surfaces will require more maintenance and optimization.
Bird and insect death
California's solar power plants are a problem for birds. The intense beams of sunlight inside the towers cause birds to ignite in mid-air and perish. This method has been used to kill thousands of insects and birds. And, according to the latest study, solar power plants are responsible for between 37,800 and 138,600 avian deaths per year. These numbers are not surprising, considering the fact that solar power plant have significantly fewer deaths than windows and fossil fuel power plants.
Environmental impact
The construction of solar towers can affect the environment in a number of ways. Among the main issues is the waste of water. The cooling equipment and cleaning equipment used in solar power plants are large. This can impact local ecosystems, particularly those in arid regions.