Archive for the 'Solar Thermal' Category

Concentrated solar power

A good summary of recent developments in solar thermal for electricity production.

Concentrated solar power | Salon News

A history of solar energy in Australia

Rear Vision looks at the history of solar technology in Australia. Why is Australia now lagging behind other nations like China and Germany? Features discussion from Robin Batterham and a number of Australian solar experts.

RN Rear Vision - 11November2007 - Solar energy in Australia

Victoria’s total power needs in 50 square kms

According to this article Ausra will be building a 177MW solar thermal power plant in central California on 1 square mile of land (640 hectares). Based on this ratio Victoria’s power needs of 6000MW could be generated in 50km2.

Sounds too good to be true, but I’ve heard the 50km2 figure thrown about before. Like to know what others have heard about this. Is it possible?

http://www.news.com/8301-11128_3-9810199-54.html 

Rheem hot water manual

This publication from Rheem actually has some very useful formulas and example calculations for predicting the performance of hot water heaters.

Manuals - Rheem Australia Water Heaters

Solar salt solution?

An article in the Age describing research by our own John Andrews into Solar Ponds and their application for desalination and salt production.

Solar salt solution? - Education News - theage.com.au

Aust technology to revolutionise clean electricity

For those that missed tonights 7:30 report on the ABC (including me) here is a link to the latest update on David Mills’ relocation to the US…including a couple of well timed quotes from the usual Australian suspects. Seems the US utilities aren’t afraid of parting with a few billion in the name of progress…

“While Australia gears up for new coal-fired power stations, the US has taken a dramatic turn - setting its sights on the sun. Two of America’s biggest power companies have unveiled plans for a multi-billion dollar expansion of solar power supply. And the man behind it all is an Australian scientist who tried and failed to be heard here.”

http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2007/s2047734.htm