Concentrated Solar Power Concepts

Concentrated solar power uses heliostats to focus sunlight onto a receiver, heating molten salt. This salt stores energy and generates electricity by creating steam to drive turbines. The process is renewable, with zero emissions, providing reliable electricity even at night.

What is the primary function of heliostats in concentrated solar power systems?

• To reflect and concentrate sunlight

• To store energy

• To generate electricity directly

• To cool down the system

What is the role of the receiver in a concentrated solar power system?

• To store electricity

• To convert sunlight into heat

• To reflect sunlight

• To cool the molten salt

What is the main advantage of using molten salt in solar power systems?

• It maintains a wide temperature range in liquid state

• It is cheaper than water

• It can operate at high pressure

• It is easier to transport

How does molten salt contribute to energy storage in solar power systems?

• By reducing the need for heliostats

• By storing energy as high-temperature molten salt

• By converting sunlight directly into electricity

• By cooling the system

Why is it beneficial to separate energy collection from electricity generation in solar power systems?

• It increases the need for heliostats

• It allows for energy storage and use on demand

• It simplifies the system design

• It reduces the cost of electricity

What happens to the molten salt after it is used to generate steam?

• It is reheated and reused

• It is converted into electricity

• It is discarded

• It is stored permanently

How is the steam generation process in solar power plants similar to conventional power plants?

• Both generate steam to drive turbines

• Both have high emissions

• Both use fossil fuels

• Both require constant sunlight

What is the main purpose of the steam turbine in the solar power plant?

• To store energy

• To generate electricity

• To reflect sunlight

• To heat the molten salt

What is a key environmental benefit of concentrated solar power plants?

• They can operate without sunlight

• They are cheaper than coal plants

• They require no maintenance

• They produce zero harmful emissions

How does concentrated solar power provide electricity even after dark?

• By relying on wind power

• By using stored high-temperature molten salt

• By using backup generators

• By storing energy in batteries