The SCHOTT receivers convert energy from the sun into electricity by using concentrated solar radiation from the plant's parabolic mirrors to increase the temperature of the thermo-oil Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) flowing through the receiver to over 750° F. This heated fluid is then used to turn water into steam, which drives a turbine and generates electricity. Solargenix plans to use 19,300 of SCHOTT's PTR 70 receivers at Nevada Solar One.
Nevada Solar One is expected to begin providing energy to the grid in 2007 and will produce enough electricity to meet the energy demands of about 40,000 households. The use of solar power to produce electricity at the plant, rather than fossil fuels, will result in a reduction of greenhouse gases equivalent to removing approximately one million cars from the nation's highways.
"Solargenix's decision to use SCHOTT's new PTR 70 receivers at the Nevada Solar One power plant strengthens SCHOTT's position as a global leader in the solar receiver market," said Dr. Udo Ungeheuer, Chairman of the SCHOTT Management Board. "We are pleased to contribute a key component to this solar thermal power plant, which will be a shining example to the world of how advanced technologies can be used to generate clean electricity."
Technological Advancements Lower Costs, Improve Efficiency
SCHOTT developed new glass and steel coatings for the PTR 70 receiver, making it more reliable and efficient than earlier models. In addition, SCHOTT redesigned the receiver's bellows and glass-to-metal seals so that the amount of the tube's active area, used to capture energy from the sun, has been increased to 96%.
"Solar thermal power plants have become a real alternative to conventional fossil fuel power plants because they are able to generate clean electricity in a dependable and cost-effective manner," said Steve Russo, head of SCHOTT's Solar Thermal business in North America.
"By using our glass and advanced material expertise to make solar thermal power plants more efficient and reliable, SCHOTT is part of the reason why communities in sunbelt areas around the world are increasingly exploring the use of solar thermal power to satisfy their growing energy needs."
"The advancements that SCHOTT engineers have made in solar receiver technology are one of the key reasons we are able to break ground on this new power plant today," said Solargenix President John Myles. "Their work demonstrates how human ingenuity will enable the world to meet its growing demand for energy in an environmentally friendly manner."
