POWER PLANT Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: power engineering; alternative energy sources such as radiant energy of sun and air stream used for power generation. SUBSTANCE: power plant has mechanical-to-electrical energy converting unit coupled with power generator and unit converting radiant energy of sun to mechanical energy through heat energy. Novelty is that the latter unit is made in the form of variable-section vertical tube expanding on top and at bottom and contracting in middle part of tube; tube is made of two different materials joined through its longitudinal section; one of these materials is transparent and inner surface of other material possesses highest degree of radiant energy absorption. Mechanical-to-electrical energy converting unit is made in the form of frame carrying windmill blades and placed in most contracted part of tube with blades positioned perpendicular to tube axis. Power plant is to be mounted in locations most convenient for tube to receive radiant energy of sun with its transparent part facing the sun rays. EFFECT: enlarged functional capabilities; wind-independent operation of plant. 3 cl, 3 dwg