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



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.
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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.

_________________
"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
“Those Who Have the Privilege to Know Have the Duty to Act”…Albert Einstein

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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