China is breaking new ground in renewable energy with its latest innovation: a dual-tower solar thermal plant that promises unprecedented efficiency.
Located near Guazhou County in Gansu Province, the project showcases two 200-meter-tall towers complemented by nearly 30,000 ground-installed mirrors. These mirrors form overlapping circles that concentrate sunlight onto each tower, mimicking the functionality of traditional coal plants by heating water to generate electricity.
What sets this plant apart is its ability to produce power even at night. This is made possible by molten salt stored within the towers, acting as a thermal battery. The salt retains excess heat collected during the day, releasing it to keep the generators running continuously after sunset.
Additionally, the mirrors used in the plant are crafted from special materials with an impressive reflection efficiency of 94 percent, significantly enhancing the overall energy capture and conversion rates.
This dual-tower design not only boosts efficiency but also paves the way for more sustainable and reliable solar power solutions globally.
Reference(s):
China innovates dual-tower solar thermal plant for better efficiency
cgtn.com
