2015-10-13
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Hydro Extrusion Americas unit has signed an agreement with Florida Power and Light (FPL) to supply custom aluminium extrusions for the first hybrid solar / fossil fuel energy generating facility in the world. When it comes online in early 2012? The Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Centre will produce 75 MW. It will be the world’s second-largest solar plant and the largest outside of California.
The Indiantown, Florida facility will employ concentrated solar power (CSP) technology to produce electricity. This process uses parabolic mirrors to capture solar heat, which produces steam that turns a generating turbine.
Hydro will produce the frames, supports, legs and connectors that will raise the 180,000 curved mirrors off the ground and allow them to track the sun throughout the day. Manufacturing plants in St. Augustine, Florida and Belton, South California will supply the parts, provide fabricating and coordinate just-in-time deliveries for the frames used in 500 acre collecting field.
The extruded aluminium frames are lightweight, yet provide enough torsional strength to withstand hurricanes. The manufacturing process allows the frames, which contain a high percentage of recycled aluminium, to be machined to precise tolerances for quick assembly.
