According to IBM Europe research scientist Bruno Michelin (see video interview) the EU is interested in replacing nuclear energy with a renewable alternative and solar energy, because of its relative abundance in the form of an average of 85,000 terawatts of energy available to the globe daily, has turned out to be the main focus of efforts.
According to Michelin, the entire world would need only 15 TW of renewable solar energy daily to run its energy infrastructure and completely replace fossil fuels and nuclear power. Solar power equipment makers and installers of High Concentration Photovoltaic Thermal (HCPVT) systems are now using cooling technology originally designed for use in supercomputer facilities.
Supercomputer facilities use 100,000 processors or more and sophisticated cooling systems are necessary to keep equipment and facilities from literally melting.
Using Supercomputer Technology To Make HCPVT Solar Work
HCPVT concentrates sunlight 1,000 fold and the concentrated light is so hot that if a cooling system were not available equipment used for capturing it would melt in a matter of seconds. These systems are sophisticated and measure the efficiency of photovoltaic conversion in real time and manage and optimize the cooling process. At the same time heat absorbed by a liquid coolant is used to heat nearby buildings, desalinate water and more.
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- Solar Cell Research “Births” New Field Of Nanobionics
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- Solar Sponge Converts Sunlight into Steam at an Amazing 85% Efficiency
References and related links:
- New High Concentration Photovoltaic Thermal System Will Collect 80% of Solar Energy
Collaboration aims to harness the energy of 2,000 suns - High-Concentration Photovoltaic Thermal System From IBM Promises 80% Efficiency, Potable Water, And Air
- Conditioning | CleanTechnica
