March 18, 2014 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

Arizona State University (ASU) is developing a hybrid-concentrated solar system on the Tempe campus, which employs a solar tulip to concentrate the sun's energy, turning it into electricity. This will be the first ever solar hybrid generating facility at a university in the United States.

Credit: ASU

The system alleviates the intermittency issues of solar, producing power around the clock and moving seamlessly from solar to natural gas or biogas. At night or when the sky is overcast, the system uses a range of fuels to heat the air and is thereby able to produce power and heat 24/7.

In addition to the 100-foot high solar tulip, the technology includes a collection of mirrors to concentrate the sun's rays to heat compressed air to more than 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and drive a gas turbine. Additionally, the technology uses little to no water while producing a high quality thermal output in addition to power.

The system is modular, allowing for multiple tulips to work together, enabling the technology to match growing electric demand requirements. The relatively small footprint makes this system a potential complement to housing developments or industrial parks, and offers an option to enhance grid stability in the presence of transient renewable generation.

The research is driven by ASU's LightWorks research initiative, which unites resources and scientists to address global energy challenges. LightWorks has a proven track record of swiftly and strategically partnering with a diverse set of institutions, to overcome challenges in the fields of solar power, sustainable fuels, and energy policy.

The hybrid system will bring ASU closer to its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025.

For more:
- see this report

 

© 2014 FierceMarkets, a division of Questex Media Group LLC. All rights reserved.

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/hybrid-concentrated-solar-system-blossoming/2014-03-18