Keahole Solar Power (KSP) purchased the ElectraTherm green machines, which are used in a co-generation process to create additional power at the solar farm, and increasing system efficiencies.
The Holaniku Solar Farm is said to be the first to utilize Sopogy’s micro-scale concentrating solar power concentrators or ‘MicroCSP’ for power generation. This is also the first solar thermal application of ElectraTherm’s organic Rankine cycle technology powered by its patented Twin Screw Expander.
Darren Kimura, founder of KSP, said: “We are pleased to announce that the two ElectraTherm green machines are running and improving our system efficiencies at Holaniku at Keahole Point in creating clean electricity. With unparalleled natural energy resources including abundant sun, wind, geothermal, and ocean thermal energy – the Big Island is extending its leadership in renewable and sustainable energy.”
ElectraTherm’s heat-to-power technology can convert many sources of low temperature liquid heat (process heat, geothermal, solar thermal, jacket water, etc) into power. A forklift can place the skid mounted 5’x5′ 50kW ElectraTherm green machine, making it a modular, scalable power plant.
Rob Hoover, senior vice president of channel sales at ElectraTherm, said: “Solar thermal applications go hand in hand with ElectraTherm technology, and we are pleased to see Keahole Solar Farm realizing the benefits of creating additional power from solar heat. Compared to other forms of renewable energy technology, ElectraTherm offers one of the fastest payback periods in the industry, with maintenance costs of under a penny per kilowatt hour.”
