Daily Current Affairs : 29-August-2024

Solar paraboloid generation is an innovative form of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP). This method uses parabolic mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver, creating high temperatures that can be used to generate electricity or provide industrial heat. With increasing global energy demand and environmental concerns, solar paraboloid technology offers a sustainable solution with significant potential for the future.

How It Works

Solar paraboloid technology works by using specially designed parabolic mirrors. These mirrors are shaped like a bowl and are strategically placed to capture sunlight. The mirrors reflect and focus the sunlight onto a receiver located at the focal point. The concentrated sunlight can reach temperatures of up to 300°C, which is hot enough to generate electricity or provide heat for industrial processes.

  • Parabolic Mirrors: These mirrors collect and focus sunlight.
  • Receiver: The sunlight is focused onto a receiver where the energy is absorbed and converted into heat.
  • Energy Conversion: The heat generated is either used to produce electricity or to power industrial applications.

Benefits of Solar Paraboloid Technology

This technology offers several advantages over traditional energy sources, especially in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Some key benefits include:

  • Higher Efficiency: Solar paraboloid systems can achieve much higher efficiency than traditional photovoltaic (solar panel) systems. This means they can produce more energy from the same amount of sunlight.
  • Lower Electricity Costs: Due to their higher efficiency, solar paraboloid systems could help lower the cost of electricity generation. This is especially important for regions with high energy needs or limited access to other energy sources.
  • Sustainability: Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource. Using solar paraboloid technology reduces reliance on fossil fuels and helps lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Important Points:

  • What is Solar Paraboloid Technology?
    • A form of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) that uses parabolic mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver.
    • Generates high temperatures (up to 300°C) for electricity production or industrial heat.
  • How It Works:
    • Parabolic Mirrors: Shaped like bowls, these mirrors collect and focus sunlight onto a receiver.
    • Receiver: The receiver absorbs the concentrated sunlight and converts it into heat.
    • Energy Conversion: The heat is used to generate electricity or provide industrial heat.
  • Key Benefits:
    • Higher Efficiency: More efficient than traditional photovoltaic solar panels, producing more energy from the same amount of sunlight.
    • Lower Electricity Costs: Due to higher efficiency, it can reduce the cost of electricity generation, especially in areas with high energy demands.
    • Sustainability: A clean, renewable energy source that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

Why In News

Solar paraboloid technology, a form of concentrating solar power (CSP), is emerging as a promising renewable energy solution. By efficiently concentrating sunlight to generate high temperatures, this technology offers a more reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional solar power systems, making it a key player in the transition to sustainable energy.

MCQs about Solar Paraboloid Technology:

  1. What is the primary function of parabolic mirrors in solar paraboloid technology?
    A. To generate electricity directly
    B. To focus sunlight onto a receiver
    C. To convert heat into electrical energy
    D. To store solar energy for later use
    Correct Answer: B. To focus sunlight onto a receiver
    Explanation: Parabolic mirrors are used to capture and concentrate sunlight onto a receiver. This focused sunlight is then used to generate heat, which can be converted into electricity or used for industrial processes.
  2. How does solar paraboloid technology differ from traditional photovoltaic solar panels?
    A. It uses mirrors to focus sunlight, achieving higher efficiency
    B. It requires no sunlight to operate
    C. It stores energy in batteries for later use
    D. It only works at night
    Correct Answer: A. It uses mirrors to focus sunlight, achieving higher efficiency
    Explanation: Solar paraboloid technology uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight, which results in higher energy efficiency compared to traditional photovoltaic systems. More energy is produced from the same amount of sunlight.
  3. Which of the following is a key benefit of solar paraboloid technology?
    A. It produces energy without sunlight
    B. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions
    C. It works best in cloudy weather
    D. It can store energy for months without degradation
    Correct Answer: B. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions
    Explanation: Solar paraboloid technology is a renewable energy source that reduces the use of fossil fuels, helping lower greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to environmental sustainability.
  4. What temperature can solar paraboloid technology generate from concentrated sunlight?
    A. 100°C
    B. 200°C
    C. 300°C
    D. 400°C
    Correct Answer: C. 300°C
    Explanation: Solar paraboloid technology can concentrate sunlight to reach temperatures of up to 300°C, which is sufficient to generate electricity or provide industrial heat.

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