Heating the coolant directly with solar rays turns water into steam, which then turns the turbo-alternator to produce electricity.
See production of electricity from solar energy in : french | spanish
turbo-alternator
Device that uses steam to convert the mechanical force generated by the rotation of the turbine into electricity.
electricity transmission network
Electricity is carried over vast distances by a network of cables that extends from the power plant to consumers.
transformer
Device used to alter the electric voltage; the voltage is increased at the plant outlet in order to carry the current over long distances.
condenser
Circuit that cools the steam from the turbine and condenses it into water, which is reintroduced into the steam generator.
steam generator
Device that uses heat to convert water into steam to activate the turbo-alternator.
cold coolant
After releasing its heat to the steam generator, the cold coolant returns to the boiler.
hot coolant
The coolant extracts heat from the boiler and carries it to the steam generator and turbine.
pump
Device that ensures that the cold coolant liquid flows to the boiler.
bank of heliostats
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
The Sun emits waves in the form of luminous radiation (41% visible light, 52% infrared light and 7% ultraviolet light).
