production of electricity from solar energy![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Heating the coolant directly with solar rays turns water into steam, which then turns the turbo-alternator to produce electricity.
turbo-alternator ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Device that uses steam to convert the mechanical force generated by the rotation of the turbine into electricity.
electricity transmission network ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Electricity is carried over vast distances by a network of cables that extends from the power plant to consumers.
condenser ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Circuit that cools the steam from the turbine and condenses it into water, which is reintroduced into the steam generator.
steam generator ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Device that uses heat to convert water into steam to activate the turbo-alternator.
cold coolant ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
After releasing its heat to the steam generator, the cold coolant returns to the boiler.
hot coolant ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
The coolant extracts heat from the boiler and carries it to the steam generator and turbine.
pump ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Device that ensures that the cold coolant liquid flows to the boiler.
bank of heliostats ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Heliostats: remote-controlled adjustable mirrors that follow the Sun’s trajectory and concentrate solar radiation toward the boiler at the top of the tower.
solar radiation ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
The Sun emits waves in the form of luminous radiation (41% visible light, 52% infrared light and 7% ultraviolet light).
solar ray reflected ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Solar rays trapped by heliostats are sent to the boiler.
coolant ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Fluid (e.g., a mixture of melted salts) that traps the heat from concentrated solar radiation and carries it to the turbine.
tower ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Structure atop which the boiler sits and collects luminous energy; it can reach 325 ft in height.
boiler ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Enclosure in which the concentrated heat from the Sun’s rays raises the temperature of the coolant.