How It Works

Many modules can be combined into large systems

Factory-produced, car-sized “power blocks” that combine a commercial microturbine with a solar receiver are shipped to the site operation-ready.  There, they are mounted on 75-100 foot towers and connected to the grid. The site is backfilled with heliostats (sun-focusing mirrors), which track the sun and focus their energy onto the solar receiver.

The solar receiver collects about 1000 suns of concentrated solar energy from the heliostats.  The resulting 2000F heat is transferred by air from the receiver to the microturbine, which spins a generator to produce electricity.  Natural gas or biofuels (e.g., from landfills) provides backup power.  The system uses no water, salts, oils, hydrogen or helium to power the turbine.

Dozens or hundreds of modules can be combined into utility-scale plants of 10s, 100s or 1000s of megawatts.  Smaller-sized plants can be located near their point of use, mitigating transmission costs and delays.  Having numerous modules, coupled with solar storage and fuel backup, provides exceptionally reliable power 24/7 in infinitely variable increments in response to variable demand.  Modules also offer lower-cost repetitive maintenance, rapid engineering and permitting, and quick erection and commissioning.  They will be able to be remotely monitored and operated.