A new solar-energy system installed at the Pentagon in Washington is producing electricity that supplements power from Virginia Power's electrical grid. The solar-driven engine producing the power was developed by STM Corp., Ann Arbor, Mich., and Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), San Diego. The STM Engine can run on almost any fuel that generates heat. In a solar application using the SAIC SunDish System, concentrated sunlight is focused on heater tubes that hold expandable gas. The heated gas then turns a shaft coupled to a generator.
In the U.S., one of the SAIC SunDish Systems is being installed at Arizona Public Services' Solar Test and Research Center site in Phoenix.
"The STM SunErgy System and its STM Engine hold unlimited promise for power generation, job creation, and the advancement of America's energy independence," says Lennart Johansson, president and CEO of STM Corp.
