Submitted 11 months ago by throws_lemy@lemmy.nz to technology@lemmy.world
https://techxplore.com/news/2023-12-solar-towers-energy-output.html
The TTSS works out efficiently in a hot, dry climate. […] researchers also note that reliance on a continuous supply of large quantities of water is an issue that needs to be addressed.
These two things don’t really add up.
I suppose you could feed it with saltwater if you’re on the coast, but there’s a reason why you don’t pump that stuff around unless you really have to.
photovoltaic has the same problem tho
Photovoltaic doesn't require water. What are you talking about?
I missed the part where they pump water up to generate power from the downdraft (of cooled air). I don’t want to shit on cool ideas. Maaaaybe there’s are range of parameters where this works, but I’m holding my breath.
All these pseudo innovations because challenging consumerism and capitalism is not even an afterthought
Nuclear fanbois hate this one simple trick
It uses a ton of material to power 73 homes annually, works best in a desert but requires a lot of water. Yeah, nuclear energy is really threatened by that. Modern microreactors in development make, for example, 1.5 MWe at let’s say 90% capacity factor. Assuming about 1000 kWh/no for a house, that microreactor, which can fit on the back of a semi truck, can power 985 homes anually.
Yeah, I will stick with nuclear, thanks.
You realize that the thing you’re describing doesn’t actually exist and likely never will, right?
Pro-nuclear folks are so weird.
Nuclear energy isn't threatened by this. It's threatened by the fact that it's impossible to build one at a profit.
nulluser@programming.dev 11 months ago
Why can’t the writers of these articles make useful comparisons? Can they just not do basic math? Each tower can generate enough electricity for about 72 homes… period. Just say that. No apples and oranges required.
SpiderShoeCult@sopuli.xyz 11 months ago
because saying you’d need to build a power plant for every 72 homes would not make the technology very attractive
onion@feddit.de 11 months ago
Power plants that are insufficient for powering a single home are quite popular right now
CherenkovBlue@iusearchlinux.fyi 11 months ago
Right. Like damn, get real. We gonna have 50-story towers decorating the landscape for every 73 homes?? It doesn’t even make sense for extremely remote and impoverished locations due to the amount of materials it needs (cost).
felbane@lemmy.world 11 months ago
Exactly. If you’re going to build an incredibly tall structure to generate power in the desert, wind makes much more sense.