Many desert areas around the world, long considered hostile to life and with few things to offer, have, over the past century, been transformed into vibrant and important places. Part of this, of course, has been due to the value of oil and gas resources tapped from deep underneath desert sands. But some deserts, with no such resources, have still taken on a new value, as cooling and irrigation technologies have made the desert both livable and productive. In addition, the search for sources of clean renewable energy has increased the value of sun-drenched desert environments, as large solar power plants spring up to tap the rich source of rays.
Now a new way to capture desert energy is being developed, using technology to turn hot dry desert air into 50-70 mph winds. The idea is to use the intense evaporative powers of the air, applied to a fine spray of water within the confines of a large specially shaped wind tower, to create a massive downdraft as the evaporation process instantly increases the density and coolness of the air. It’s a well-supported idea that has long been suggested, but Solar Wind Energy, a Maryland-based renewable energy company, has finally applied new computer processing power to turn the idea into an efficient practical design.
The first tower to be built, beginning next year in southern Arizona, is expected to generate up to 1250 megawatt hours, gross, with the average daily output, after all factors are considered, being approximately 435 megawatt hours. It will be the first unit of its kind ever built, and represents a striking new source of energy available day and night, even if there is no wind.
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