So I came across a new science journal today (technically last night, but that was 2am so double technically it WAS today....nvr mnd),
AWEscience, and it is AMAZING! I found out about it last night while stumbling and reading and just perusing the internet when I found that page on liquid oxygen. The rest is short-term history! But I am getting sidetracked (which is fun also) so here's the point: I want to present a BUNCH of articles from their website. SO HERE WE GO!
Article #1 starts us off: One solar tower to rule them all!
Twice the height of the Empire State – EnviroMission plans massive solar tower for Arizona
Hell yeah, solar energy, now you've just gotta construct Sauron's solar tower and you can begin
to rule 3rd-rock-from-the-sun-Earth (calling it 'middle Earth' was just wayy too impractical) and
destroy the ELVES and realm of free men. Just kidding. But seriously...
I think it's a wonderful idea, and if it helps cut energy costs who would oppose it
(energy conglomerates...duh)
this sucker will sit at 2625 ft tall and is projected to produce 200-megawatts of power generation and will reliably feed the grid with enough power for 150,000 US homes. Here's the best part: Once it’s built, it can be expected to more or less sit there producing clean, renewable power with virtually no maintenance until it's over 80 years old! (boomshakalaka)
Here's a rundown of how it works (quoted from article)
"Enviromission’s solar tower is a simple idea taken to gigantic proportions. The sun beats down on a large covered greenhouse area at the bottom, warming the air underneath it. Hot air wants to rise, so there’s a central point for it to rush towards and escape; the tower in the middle. And there’s a bunch of turbines at the base of the tower that generate electricity from that natural updraft."
more info on the tower
here (orig article)
Moving on...... (continue reading for about 4 more articles involving badassness)