Xcel Energy Inc. opened an experimental hybrid plant named Cameo, which uses both coal and solar energy to generate electricity, thereby significantly reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
$ 4,500,000 plant, which was scheduled for closure by the end of 2010, was converted to test by the use of parabolic-trough mirrors.
The factory belongs to Abengoa Solar a Spanish company which has headquarters in Lakewood, U.S. The project includes eight rows of mirrors (500 feet long), covering 6.4 acres.
The mirrors focus the sun heat on tubes filled with mineral oil, heated in this way to about 575 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat is used to raise water temperature to about 360 degrees Celsius.
Steam produced is used by a turbine to produce electricity. Use of solar heated water, decreases the amount of coal needed to produce steam.
“If this project produces the successful results we expect, this type of solar thermal integration will help move the use of solar energy one step closer to being a potential technology for improving the environmental performance of coal-fired power plants for Xcel Energy and for utilities around the country,” said Kent Larson, Xcel’s vice president and chief energy supply officer.
