Solar power stations. Principle of work and prospects

Solar energy belongs to the number of renewable species. Solar power plants in Russia are becoming more widespread. Such energy is increasingly being introduced into the life of people, and this is natural, because it not only does not run out, but is environmentally friendly, in contrast to fossil fuels. Active use of solar panels does not cause pollution of the terrain and emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere. Solar power plants contribute to the energy independence and security of the state.

Prospects

The sun is an inexhaustible source of energy, which, when properly used, can provide enough electricity for both industry and the residential sector. The potential of it is simply huge. It is the luminary that is the source of life on the planet. The transformation of light into energy is a long-standing invention. Back in the 16th century, a machine was invented that rocked the water due to the fact that the sun-heated air expanded and exerted the necessary pressure. A similar machine made the printing press work at the end of the 18th century.

Principle of operation

Modern solar power plants capture light through photovoltaic cells. They collect the energy of the light and transfer it to electricity. For this, a mirror is used that has a parabolic shape. Its curvature is calculated so that each point on its surface reflects the rays in the center of focus. Any solar-powered power plant has its own power, which is measured in the sun. How many times the reflected rays radiate to the point of focusing more powerful than the sun, so much is the power of the station.

The fact is that the power of the rays of the star in its original form is not enough to generate electricity. To strengthen it, use magnifying glasses and concave mirrors that extract a lot of heat from the light. The rays, amplified a few dozen times, carry a lot of heat energy, which is used to heat the special oil in thin tubes. Having reached the boil, it is diverted and transfers heat to the water that forms steam. Its pressure drives the turbine that produces electricity. Under ideal conditions this process can last indefinitely. Therefore, solar power plants are so promising. On the planet, there are many places with a huge activity of the Sun, for example, the desert.

Problems

However, in reality, everything is not so simple. The planet and the luminary are in constant motion, and the angle of incidence of the rays, respectively, is constantly changing. Therefore, special electric motors are needed, which adjust the planes with photocells to the required angle. This is not the only difficulty. There is also night time, and the weather may deteriorate. In addition, solar power plants are expensive, although they pay off well with time. It is clear that the future of mankind depends on solar energy, which is inexhaustible. In addition, it is the safest and cleanest. And the hydrocarbon raw material is sure to come to an end someday.