Comments on: Solar Tower - renewable energy green global warming

By: Brian Hughes

Brian Hughes — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:58:20 +0000

Solar Energy is one of the best sources of clean and green electricity. I think that we should build more efficient solar thermal power plants and solar cells.

By: Gracie Hayes

Gracie Hayes — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 04:13:47 +0000

The effects of Global Warming is getting much stronger these days. We should concentrate more on alternative energy to reduce carbon emissions.

By: hachicontrol

hachicontrol — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:51:40 +0000

Plus, there would be efficiency losses as the air rises, because the fact that the air is rising means that its energy is going elsewhere, and not ultimately towards turning the turbines blades.

By: charliecorgan

charliecorgan — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:53:07 +0000

I think its Tedlar, also used as backsheet for solar modules. Insulating & very resistant plastic.

By: determinism89

determinism89 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:57:38 +0000

Can we do this while maintaining a steady enough state to generate electricity from it?

By: determinism89

determinism89 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:20:56 +0000

What is the actual function of the tower? I see that the air has a tendency to rise through the center where the generator is. Is the column of hot air then supposed to pull more air into the system as it rises?

By: caucazoidandroid

caucazoidandroid — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 02:14:58 +0000

I wonder how old this video is, because the turbines that the Germans are making now are so much better than the old ones. Surely, with the new turbines, the output would be even better. And I wonder if you could irrigate the land underneath to grow food, or whether that would interfere with the generator.

By: bimblinghill

bimblinghill — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 00:20:06 +0000

According to a New Scientist article, growing crops underneath actually improves efficiency, if you irrigate. The water vapour lost from the leaves is less dense than air, and so strengthens the rising air effect. Plenty of water would be required though.

By: TRUMPHENT

TRUMPHENT — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 07:46:00 +0000

This apparently was a pilot project built in 1982 and ran nonstop for seven years.

By: wakeangel2001

wakeangel2001 — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:16 +0000

holy cow! I read about this in popular science! I didn’t know they ACTUALLY made one!