EnviroLink Forum

I had an idea that I do not remember seeing before and was wondering if any of you have heard or seen anything like this idea:

Concentrating solar has several forms but usually involve mirrors. One of the most effective concentrating solar designs (in terms of cost-effectiveness) is to use an array of controlled flat mirrors that aim their reflection on a tower. Wind power is more effective at higher heights and while you are at it, might as well make the blades longer. I had the idea of putting a concentrating solar receiving point on a large wind mill tower below the shading of the windmill blades. One of the dangers of concentrating solar is a loss of power to the pumps or fans that move the heat away from the point where the sun is concentrating on (and it will get too hot and become damaged). It seems weird to have a back-up power generator at a power generating facility. The wind tower and a bit of energy storage can provide such backup power and the power is produced very close to where it is needed.

here is a proposed one but it has another method of energy creation added and is using a skyscraper as the tower

http://landartgenerator.org/blagi/archives/640

I assume the "updraft tower" is something like the systems where air is heated at ground level then the updraft of this hot air up a chimney powers a turbine (the turbine can be located anywhere in the tower as it is powered by the pressure difference between the top and bottom of the tower)

Combining wind with solar is great in places that often have clouds AND often have wind blowing. Photovoltaics are best instead of concentrating types because they use less area, especially rough surface types that get better side and cloudy day solar power. Many places, the wind blows when the sun isn't shining, so it makes sense to have wind turbines. The size depends on the area and the amount of power needed.
But there is a big problem in Canada being green. Environmentalists are seen as a threat and put under surveillance. Are you being watched, Ann????
http://www.ipsnews.net/2013/02/in-conse ... ing-green/

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"With every decision, think seven generations ahead of the consequences of your actions" Ute rule of life.
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children”
― Chief Seattle

likely ... but also because I promote anarchism and independent living. This is part of the reason I explore options for the electricity producing companies to add to the grid... less of a threat. The current Canadian government has dismantled all the "green" government programs that were made over the last 2 decades and revoked their involvement with the Kyoto Protocol. Add to that, Saskatchewan (the province/state I live in) has the last of the socialist government-monopoly power and energy organizations but they have been partially privatized. This means they still have a monopoly and lots of laws to keep that monopoly, but are free to capitalize on that monopoly as long as they continue to pay over 1/3 of the province's government's income. It is a real up-hill battle to get away from being their customer.

Ann Vole______outlaw!
The green Maple Leaf of Canada has turned brown, and the red Maple Leaf has turned black. Two decades of work destroyed from greed and ignorance. Too bad.

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"With every decision, think seven generations ahead of the consequences of your actions" Ute rule of life.
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children”
― Chief Seattle

the good thing though, Canadians are going in the opposite direction as a general rule... people are starting to change their voting choices and young voters are starting to see a reason to vote. There are few good choices at the polls though... all three of the top parties have shown themselves to not care for the environment.

When there is an economic downturn, the concern over the environment will usually be replaced by a concern over jobs. The short term problem over the long term issue every time.

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“Intellect is invisible to the man who has none”
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"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits."
Albert Einstein

A very interesting and useful strategy for combining solar and wind power, both sustainable. It seems like an obvious pairing. Looking forward to reading more posts on this concept.

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Our choices dictate our reality.