How does a Photovoltaic Plant work

• Collection of solar energy through panels that convert sunlight, through the photovoltaic effect, into constant electrical current.
• Conversion to alternating electric current through several groups of photovoltaic inverters from the energy generated in the panels.
• Transportation of alternating electrical energy through an electrical network distributed by the solar field, which collects the energy from each group of inverters.
• Coordination of the energy dispatches of the concentrated solar power and photovoltaic plants through a Control Center.
• Interconnection of the plant to the Chilean electricity grid, through a booster substation that increases the voltage up to that of the interconnection point and a sectioning substation that connects the output of the plant with the existing power lines.

How does a Concentrated Solar Power Plant work

• The energy is captured through heliostats, giant mirrors that follow the path of the sun with two-axis movement. These are aimed at the receiver located at the top of the tower.
• Absorption of radiation by heating a stream of cold molten salts to a temperature of 565°C / 1049ºF
• Storage of hot salts in a tank system.
• Extraction of hot salts from tanks to transfer heat to water and thus create steam.
• Generation of electrical energy by means of a steam turbine.

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