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Electronic Resource
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SAND Report: SAND80-8695, June 1980.
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Library's review
ABSTRACT:
Only in the last ten years has there been a significant effort to apply modern technology to the use of solar energy. One of the more promising approaches now receiving world-wide attention is the central receiver concept, in which a field of individually aimed mirrors, or heliostats,
Only in the last ten years has there been a significant effort to apply modern technology to the use of solar energy. One of the more promising approaches now receiving world-wide attention is the central receiver concept, in which a field of individually aimed mirrors, or heliostats,
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focuses the sun's energy onto a tower-mounted receiver where the concentrated flux heats a fluid used to power a turbine or to heat an industrial process. Energy concentrations greater than 1000 suns, leading to high efficiencies, are easily attained. Feasibility has been demonstrated, and if present cost trends continue, solar energy costs may soon be competitive with those of fossil fuels--including coal. Land use would be modest. If present progress continues over the next five years, the concept will become a practical energy option. Show Less