Hi Power Solar

[Stealth]

I had, at one time, a website that showed the tests that the department of energy undertook in the 70's or 80's, in the desert. They used a water storage tank, similar to those found in most towns, surrounded it with stainless steel sheets, in a 360 degree circular pattern,all aimed at the tank to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto the tank. On top of this tank was a steam turbine hooked up to a generator. They claimed about 7 minuted after sunrise the temperature inside would cause enough pressure to start the turbine. I forget the KW output, but I vaguely remember it being capable of sustaining a amall town with electricity. Their problem was, they had a hard time furnishing this tank with water, as they didn't recycle their water. It would not be hard at all to build a smaller unit to supply power to our house, if enough water were available or we could design a way to recapture the water. If I can find the website again I will post it.
Stealth

[Matthew Jones]

I seen a small turbine built with a solar oven and a presure cooker. At a green energy event in DC.
It took a while to get going and only produced 500 watts, but for the cost the guy was claiming it out performed a solar panel.
I thought it was pretty nifty. I think he was right about out performing but I didn't look into it.

Cheers
Matt

[wpage]

Post ASAP

Sounds great. Love to see it

[Stealth]

Big Solar

I found another website that you may be interested in, about building a solar power plant in the desert. ( usnews.com.../02/21/big solar ) Same idea but a different design.

Stealth

[Vortex]

Hi Stealth,

There is some steam work going on here, but it isn't with solar.
See thread Friction Steam Boiler.
It's not really a boiler, those can be dangerous.
IMHO the design plan can be greatly simplified, so don't let
it's complexity get ya down.
I'm trying to prototype a device (thread Condensation-Induced Water Hammer )
that would remove the need to use the steam directly via a steam turbine
or steam engine which are both below 40% efficient to using water which
would double the efficiency of work extraction.
So you only need one half as much steam or get double the work.

Randy

[Stealth]

What I was actually thinking was using this same principle, but with a closed system and using a low temperature liquid (freon, propane, etc) to power the system. Solar would be great for heating low temp liquids to power turbine or pump steam type engines to produce power. By recapturing the liquid, and recirulating it, you could also recapture some of the heat. By using a holding tank and enough line to allow for some cooling before reaching the tank it would vaporize from a gas back to a liquid. Temperature would not be much of a factor. Pressure would be the only thing to warrant caution. I am still in the planning stage of this system, but the priciple is sound. I am going to design and build a small prototype to test the limits of power output.

[Vortex]

Hi Stealth,

Hope this can help out, lots of details in the pdf A CONCENTRATED SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY SYSTEM
A Thesis submitted to the Department of Mechanical Engineering
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science
by C. Christopher Newton

Randy

[Stealth]

Vortex, Thanks for the info. I have built a Sterling engine, and although I know California power has placed many of these systems in the desert to boost their power output, what I have found is that they are reliable but not very powerful. It takes many to produce a KW as they are basically small units. They have put a large amount of money in their project to help with their power problems. I think they are on the right track, but it's not practical unless you have miles of land in which to set these up. As I try to work toward self sufficiency I have to explore every avenue, especially in power. I have built a wind turbine also but not tested it yet. When, If, our petroleum is interrupted, for whatever reason, I am trying to get prepared to carry on as usual. I think we have become to dependent on our petroleum and utilities.
When these become interrupted most people are helpless to produce their own power. They are essentially paralyzed. As the population multiplies these problems are only going to become more compound. I am trying to manage with less food, less power, less money. I hope all works out. Stealth

[wpage]

Good Thesis

Vortex,
The thesis you posted was interesting. The results posted on page 81 seemed somewhat inconclusive and though a long read. Good to know that modern masters are looking to solve some of this in our universities...

This solution would be better suited to the southwest region in the US. I would love to see more thesis postings especially toward wind energy. Is there a place to find Doctoral and Masters papers?

[dutchdivco]

Mercury as medium

I recall, but have no idea from where;a small 1-2 person mine, in the side of a mountain or hill. Don't recall what they were mining. Anyway,they used mercury. The mercury, in a tank at the bottom of the hill, would expand when heated by the sun, and rise up a pipe to the top of the hill. It would then run over into a pipe, running back down the hill, which had a small waterwheel or turbine at the bottom, running a generator, which powered the lights, in the mine.This was apperently a working set-up, done back in the 'olden days'.Jim

[Stealth]

Check out Mother Earth News Solar heat grabber for help with heating your home cheaply. You can install on south facing windows for heat boosters during the day. By adding a fresnel lens it could become a serious heating addition for you home.