| Solar power is often discussed in terms of dealing with | | | | Instead, one gets a field of mirrors. The mirrors are |
| home energy needs. Why not in larger terms? Well, | | | | controlled by a computer system. They are tilted at |
| the problem is storage. Most devices have been | | | | different angles to do just one thing. They redirect light |
| inefficient at storing the massive amounts of energy | | | | to the top section of a tower placed in the middle of |
| produced on solar farms. This is where molten salt | | | | the mirrors. This section is filled with a large amount of |
| batteries might change things. | | | | a salt mixture. |
| The primary method for producing electricity is simple. | | | | Why salt? Well, the salt becomes molten when it is |
| One heats water to the point it turns to steam. The | | | | heated to over 500 degrees Celsius. Once this |
| steam is then pressurized and passed over a turbine | | | | happens, it tends to retain the heat very well. It is |
| fan. The fan spins a generator in the system and | | | | actually removed from the tower and stored in thermal |
| electricity is produced. This is the method used with | | | | compartments where it will hold above 95 percent of |
| nuclear power, hydropower, coal power and so on. | | | | its heat. Within a short period of time, it is placed into |
| The only issue is how you heat the water. | | | | another compartment where the heat it is holding is |
| Undertaking this process with solar power has always | | | | used to turn water into steam. The process is pretty |
| been iffy at best. There has been no real efficient | | | | much the same as used with coal, but there are no |
| means for doing it. That is now changing and molten | | | | pollutants or greenhouse gases. |
| salt batteries are a big part of the change. To | | | | This might be the only time you ever read about |
| understand how they work, we first have to | | | | molten batteries in your life. The next time you read |
| understand what they are and how they are used. | | | | about your utility company buying electricity from a |
| Mention a solar power farm and many people picture | | | | solar farm, this may be exactly what is involved. |
| a field of solar panels. This is incorrect in most cases. | | | | |