The annual capacity factor for the downdraft portion of the Energy Tower is predicted at about 51%.
The Downdraft Tower is a tall hollow cylinder with a water spray system at the top. Pumps deliver water to the top of the tower to spray a fine mist across the entire opening. The water evaporates and cools the hot dry air at the top. The cooled air is denser and heavier than the outside warmer air so it falls through the cylinder at speeds up to and in excess of 50 mph, driving rotors at the base of the structure. The rotors power generators to produce electricity.
In areas where atmospheric conditions are conducive, the exterior of the Downdraft Tower may be constructed with vertical “wind vanes” that capture the prevailing wind and channel it to produce supplemental electrical power. This dual renewable energy resource enhances the capability and productivity of the Clean Wind system.
The developer says the tower can operate without consuming a fuel or producing waste. The technology has potential to generate clean, cost effective, and efficient electrical power without the damaging effects caused by using fossil or nuclear fuels, and other conventional power sources. The Company also believes that increasing emphasis on green technologies and governmental incentives in the energy industry should have a positive long-term effect on the Company’s planned business and the wind energy industry in general.
The developer anticipates that each tower will be capable of generating up to 2,500 MW per hour, gross, of which about 1/3 will be used to power its operations. From normal to ideal circumstances the Tower should have a potential yield of 1,100 to 1,500 MW/h available for sale to the power grid. At this writing, avoided costs per kilowatt in California are running approximately $0.11/kWh.
The annual capacity factor for the downdraft portion of the Energy Tower is predicted at approximately 51%. Prime production periods are daytime and evening during spring, summer and fall, which closely align with electricity demand patterns. However, the External Wind Capture keeps working 24/7, whenever a wind is blowing, including cold winter months and at night. Its capacity factor is estimated at about 75%, which raises the Energy Tower’s overall capacity factor to above 60%.
The Downdraft Tower will be constructed using conventional materials, equipment and techniques, so associated industries surrounding each tower site will benefit from the creation of professional jobs, manufacturing, construction, and transportation jobs.
The Clean Wind Energy downdraft tower is a U.S. based invention that will provide clean renewable energy at a cost more favorable than nuclear plants with no negative impacts to our planet.
Clean Wind Energy Tower
cleanwindenergy.com
Filed Under: News, Towers, Turbines
