Solar Wind Energy, an American company, plans to usher in a new era of wind energy by constructing a 682-meter tall downdraft tower in 2018. The company is building a new generation of power plants in warm and dry Arizona, called Solar-Wind Hybrid Power Plants. These power plants are based on a patent by Dr. Phillip Carlson, who was employed at Lockhead Aircraft in 1975. The functioning of these power plants is simple: after constructing a sufficiently high tower in a dry climate region, mist in the form of tiny water droplets is sprayed over the opening. The water evaporates and is stored by the surrounding air, which becomes heavier and falls towards the earth or power plant floor at around 80 km/h. The downdraft is then redirected horizontally at the base of the tower and directed through turbines, which generate electricity.
The significant advantage of Solar-Wind Hybrid Power Plants over conventional wind or solar power plants is that they can generate electricity 24 hours a day, provided the surrounding air is dry enough. For this reason, the power plant will be built in Arizona, near San Luis. Experts estimate the cost of this power plant to be around 1.2 billion euros. Another advantage of these power plants is that they can produce an average of 435 megawatts of electricity, almost equivalent to the output of smaller nuclear power plants. However, unlike nuclear power plants, Solar-Wind Hybrid Power Plants are location-dependent.
The construction of the downdraft tower by Solar Wind Energy is a significant step towards sustainable energy production. The company’s innovative approach to harnessing wind energy is commendable, and the Solar-Wind Hybrid Power Plants could be a game-changer in the energy sector. The power plants’ ability to generate electricity round the clock, coupled with their high output, makes them a viable alternative to conventional power plants. The construction of the power plant in Arizona is expected to create job opportunities and boost the local economy.
