Natural Bridge National Monument The Solar Power System is a demonstration plant using solar cells as an energy source.
When dedicated in June 1980 by the Utah Governor, it was the world's largest solar power plant with a speed of 100 kW. It is located in the southeastern state of Utah in the United States.
Video Natural Bridges National Monument Solar Power System
Histori Edit
The power plant, located at the Natural Bridge Natural Monument, is a joint venture between the US National Park System, the US Department of Energy, and the Lincoln Laboratory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The array of solar panels is located at 1 acre (0.40 ha) near the park's visitor center. It has an observation platform facing solar cells and a narrative recording that explains the functionality of the facility. The bright climate of Natural Bridges makes it an ideal location for solar cell power systems. Its location away from available commercial resources is a factor in site selection.
The project cost $ 15 million ($ 39,699,000 in 2010 dollars), but modern power stations will cost about $ 1.5 million due to technical advances in solar cell production. The power plant operates for 10 years before it is turned off for repairs and upgrades. The plant was downsized to 50 kW in 1993 and equipped with a diesel generator backup system that enables the solar ranks to operate more efficiently. In the same year, the restoration project added a new 18 kW solar module, replacing the battery bank and renewing the cables. Existing solar cell power stations provide 90 percent of the needs of the Park community and the visitors need electricity.
Maps Natural Bridges National Monument Solar Power System
Characteristics Edit
The 100 kilowatt photovoltaic power plant is 40 miles (64 km) from the nearest power grid and consists of 266,029 solar cells arranged in 12 lines. The power plant provides electricity for the visitor center, six staff dwellings, maintenance facilities, and a local water sanitation system. The system is protected by lightning rods.
There are 39 batteries weighing 1,200 pounds (540 kg) each with a combined capacity of over 600 kilowatt hours. 450 kWh is enough to operate the park for two days without the sun. The solar control system limits the battery withdrawal up to 480 kWh by enabling the diesel generator to increase battery life. The control system selectively removes one to 48 solar panels to prevent overcharging of the battery system.
Compared to diesel generators that provide the same energy, it is estimated that savings of $ 34,000 per year for diesel fuel and maintenance costs by using photovoltaic systems. Also environmental benefits include reducing air pollution and noise compared to diesel generators. Emissions reductions are estimated to be around 400 pounds (180 kg) of sulfur oxide, 2,100 pounds (950 kg) of nitrous oxide, 170 short tons (150 tt) of carbon dioxide, and 250 pounds (110 kg) of carbon monoxide annually.
References Edit
External links Edit
- Images of Solar Power Generation Bridge
- Renovating the Photovoltaics-Diesel Generator System at the National Bridge's Natural Monument
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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