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Abstract

The present invention provides a method of and apparatus for producing power from solar energy wherein a solar collector heats gas supplied to a gas turbine; compressors compress the gas, the gas being compressed and stored gas during a first period of time, with the stored compressed gas being supplied to the gas turbine during a second period of time to produce power by driving an electric generator. Preferably, the first period of time is during periods of off-peak electricity, which normally occur at night. The second period of time is during the day. The solar collector preferably comprises tracking reflectors for focusing solar radiation and a receiver for receiving the focused solar radiation and also heating the gas. The solar radiation receiver preferably comprises a rotating ceramic member. Furthermore, a combustion chamber is preferably provided to heat the gas entering the gas turbine and is operated by a temperature sensing/control unit when the solar radiation received by the receiver is insufficient to heat the gas entering the gas turbine to the required temperature. The electric motor used to operate the compressors preferably comprises the electric generator of the gas turbine. Furthermore, heat generated during the compression of the gas and contained therein is transferred to another fluid in a heat exchanger which comprises part of waste heat converter for producing electrical power therefrom.

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First Claim