20100121
Subject: [solaroof] Constant Large Scale Electricity from Solar Thermal - a different approach
Solar thermal energy has the potential to supply a significant fraction of the world's energy needs if we learn to harness it effectively and to store its energy for use when we have times of high demand. An Australian company has been working on a technology that may be able to do just that. http://www.solarthermalmagazine.com/constant-large-scale-electricity-from-solar-thermal-energy/
Reply by Sola Roof Guy:
Sola Roof would use the photosynthetic conversion to efficiently transform about half the available solar energy into carbohydrates (biomass) and then we can use this stored energy as it it needed - storing some energy long term for seasonal use. This carries over excess summer energy to the winter period. A Sola Roof for most structures would supply sufficient distributed energy using the Combined Cooling Heat & Power (CCHP) systems. We have the Biodigester component to convert biomass to Bio Gas? that is a clean energy process for electrical power generation on-site, with full recovery and reuse of the CO 2? that would be produced. At the same time the low grade thermal energy is used by plants to produce transpired moisture, which the Sola Roof captures and collects - providing enough thermal energy for all controlled environment needs.
This can be done while producing food, feed and fiber - substantially all the life support needs of a community within the footprint of the built environment of that community. There is no transport of any resources; all resources are produced in a distributed local network. We get a great benefit of living spaces that are very healthy, comfortable and productive. Light, bright, "living structures" are safe in earthquakes and from fire and hurricane force wind. People are safe and secure in their own communities with food, energy and water surpluses. Food is local, natural and nutritious. Any community can have these benefits by changing their roofs.
With Sola Roof a base system, we can then add in many other alternative energy systems. But I doubt that any remote, central power generation will be needed by communities. We might still need them for industrial purposes and if so they should be safe and efficient solar energy systems such as the solar thermal concepts in the article.
Richard Nelson