State regulations in Nevada require that 15% of power come from renewable sources, including 5% from solar power, by 2015. Nevada Solar One, the world’s third largest solar power plant, is striving to help the state meet its goal — with a little help from SPX.
The Magic of Mirrors
Nevada Solar One installed long rows of mirrors that focus the sun’s energy on a receiver as a means of generating power for 15,000 homes near Las Vegas.
The receiver, which is a metal tube filled with oil, is encased in special glass. The oil, heated by the sun, then heats water, which in turn produces steam for power generation.
SPX is playing a role by supplying cooling towers for the power generation plant that help keep temperatures cool enough to ensure maximum power output under the extreme desert conditions.