The CSP
Another technique, using thermal solar energy and about which little is said yet, is called CSP (Concentrating Solar Power). This relatively simple technology was first developed in 1985 in Kramer Junction, California. The operation of these plants using solar energy is based on very basic techniques. The idea is as follows:
It involves installing reflective parabolic mirrors which concentrate solar energy in the form of heat on a pipe containing a liquid intended to be heated to actuate turbines in an exchanger. To simplify, we can imagine huge mirrors in the shape of gutters, overhung by a steel pipe coated with glass. The rays are concentrated on this pipe, the liquid of which it contains can reach the temperature of 400 ° C. While producing electricity, this process makes it possible to desalinate seawater.
The sun provides energy to the earth's surface every day 5000 times more than all human energy consumption. Deserts represent 30% of the earth's surface. By exploiting 1% of the surface of the deserts we could meet the current electricity needs on a global scale. It is interesting to note that to date, annual global electricity consumption is equivalent to solar radiation received in deserts in just 5,7 hours.
http://knol.google.com/k/energie-propre-le-csp#
http://www.outilssolaires.com/pv/prin-centraleB.htm
