This prototype solar electricity generator developed by Sunpower of
Ohio and Cummins of Abilene, Texas was successfully tested last week. The
computer controlled reflector concentrates light onto a sodium heat pipe
connected to two Stirling engines at the focus which generate electricity
from heat at an efficiency of 20 per cent, comparable to solar voltaic cells.
The developers hope to get up to 30 per cent. The generator produced a power
of 3 kilowatts.
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