Solar powered steam engine with storage

[glenc]

Terrajoule can use any of the available third-party concentrator technologies: Parabolic trough; heliostat/tower; linear fresnel (CLFR).

Terrajoule exploits an old-fashioned technology: “Universal Unaflow” reciprocating steam piston engine technology that reached its historical pinnacle in the 1930s.

Since it is impractical to store gaseous steam for later use, the steam is condensed into the mass of water where its energy is stored. When needed, the stored energy flashes the water back to steam.

http://www.terrajoulecorp.com/unexpected-technology/how-it-works/

[glenc]

A group of Australian engineers have “re-invented” the steam engine and combined it with solar thermal energy to deliver a cheap solar storage solution. What’s more, it works on the distributed level and can operate behind the meter, and is far cheaper than PV combined with batteries.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/return-of-the-steam-engine-cheap-storage-for-solar-34662

[Larryp]

Sounds good!

[baileys2611]

John Gault will be along soon to claim his gold...

:rofl:

Seriously though - I would LOVE to be able to set something up to remotely power my OBS for cooling during the long sunny summer with this.

[simmo]

Good read thanks Glen. Let's hope it's affordable and gets out there for all to use. Would be fantastic for our Australian climate you would think.:)

[Cameron]

Interesting. Although I really have to comment that the recent news on solar powered energy production and storage doesn't quite look that feasible across the board just yet. Whatever is available in the market right now has crazy prices and really low levels of storage that really do not justify us getting the systems set up...

[Sheppie]

The more popular it gets, the better prices will be. I think the whole solar market is just waiting for a certain kick to gain speed and popularity. Will this gear be that trigger - I don't know. But I am very glad things like that appear on the market.