View Single Post
Old 12-23-09, 06:43 PM   #7
JimmyClovis
Electrical Renovator
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Oregon Coast
Posts: 2
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Since they are flexible, the best use of the mirrors would be arrange them parabolically and aim at the sun. Run a pipe along the focal point for the length of the mirror assembly and pump water through it in a primary closed loop.

Using a fluid with a lower boiling temp than water, such as ammonia in a secondary closed loop, it would be possible during summer months to heat the fluid and create enough steam to run a steam engine (conservatively 1 to 1 1/2 HP). Assuming 746 watts/hp you could generate 1000+ watts of electicity during daylight hours.

A closed loop of fluid could be possible if the exhausted steam were condensed in a pipe running through a water bath and back to the water to ammonia heat exchanger.

There are other, simpler uses for heat generated by the parabolic collector, this one is pretty exotic and complicated, I know.
JimmyClovis is offline   Reply With Quote