Using solar energy to generate electricity

Generating electricity from solar energy

Electricity is generated through solar energy in two ways, which are as follows:

• Optical Power: It has been in use for 30 years, and relies on the presence of photoelectric cells made up of thin layers of silicon and other materials, which are semiconductors in a square shape. When sunlight reaches them, chemical reactions inside the cell begin by releasing an electron that generates an electric current that can supply an entire building with energy.
• Thermal energyIt is the traditional technology in which reflectors are used that focus sunlight to create steam to operate electrical generators. It is worth noting that two technologies that rely on thermal energy are widespread in the markets, and they are as follows:
  • Harnessing the heat of sunlight to heat helium gas, hydrogen gas, or liquid sodium to form compressed gas or steam to move turbines to generate electricity.
  • Directing mirrors that reflect the sun's rays into a large tower containing liquids, which turn into steam that drives turbines and thus generates electricity.

A modern project to generate electricity using solar energy

Due to the high costs of towers, pipes and pumps, and the costs of installation and operation, and because the stability of temperatures between hot and cold is an obstacle for all materials, in addition to the need for a heat storage system when the sun is absent, all of these reasons prompted mechanical engineering professor Alexander Slocum and a multidisciplinary team to Designing an advanced device solves this problem, and the most important advantages of this invention are:

• The device is a large tank containing molten salt, as salt has the ability to withstand very high temperatures in addition to its great ability to absorb heat.
• Installing a device (Heliostat); On one of the peaks, it focuses sunlight directly on the salt inside the tank through a small opening in it.
• The heat is distributed throughout the tank due to the molten salt carrying the heat.
• When power is generated, the hot salt is skimmed from the top of the tank and passed through a steam generator, while the cold, molten salt is returned to the bottom of the tank.
• When there is no sunlight or in the evening, the tank openings are closed to reduce heat loss.

solar energy

Solar energy is energy that comes from sunlight and is converted into electrical energy or thermal energy. This energy is the cleanest and most abundant type of renewable energy, and it has various uses such as generating electricity, lighting, providing a comfortable indoor environment, and heating water. The United States is the richest country in the world with solar energy. .