Malvern plays key role in revolutionary 'energy towers' technology
Malvern Instruments is participating in an
alternative energy project being developed by the Israeli and Indian governments.
Called 'energy towers', the project aims to use the hot, dry air that
is abundant in arid countries for cost-effective electricity production.
A prototype is currently under construction in the Israeli desert, comprising
a hollow shaft over 400m tall and 100m wide into which water (usually
sea water) is sprayed. The water partially evaporates and cools the surrounding
air which then sinks and produces a downdraught capable of moving a system
of turbines and electricity generators at the bottom of the shaft. Tests
have shown that variations in the size of the sprayed water droplet can
dramatically affect the output and so Malvern's Spraytec system is being
used to make real time, high speed measurements of the sprayed liquid
droplets in order to ensure consistency of droplet size for optimal performance.
The tower will generate electricity 24 hours a day, with minimal impact
on the environment.