Re: Hemispherical Solar Concentrator?

From: Georgie Hinklemyer <samoolives_at_yahoo.com_at_hypermail.org>
Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2004 07:53:54 -0000

P.S. Keep the copper tubing short, to minimize heat loss.

--- In OliveStarlightOrchestra_at_yahoogroups.com, "Georgie Hinklemyer"
<samoolives_at_y...> wrote:
> Mylar works great as a surface coating. Or any other silvered
> sheeting. Tinfoil is lots cheaper and easier, but collects wrinkles
> like you wouldn't believe.
> Really small egg shape: use a plastic lady's "L'Eggs" Egg. They
make
> nice parabolic surfaces.
> Medium-sized egg shape: try blowing up a balloon, tape the knot down
> VERY flat, and papier-mache it. Use the knot end as the bottom of
the
> mirror. Punching-bag balloons get to be about 2 feet across, if
> you're lucky.
> Smaller egg shape, already mirrored: a mylar balloon. Papier-mache
it
> and the inside's already silvered. Might not be a steep enough
> parabola, though.
> Do you know how to calculate the focus of a parabola?
> --Debbie
>
>
> --- In OliveStarlightOrchestra_at_yahoogroups.com, "Richard Conner"
> <rkc_at_p...> wrote:
> > I'm looking into experimenting creating a sort of hemispherical
> solar
> > concentrator. Perhaps some of you out there may have some words
of
> > wisdom or ideas for me...
> >
> > Looking something like:
> >
> > | o |
> > \ |=/=== b
> > -|-
> > |
> > a
> > 1. Lightweight plastic(?) hemisphere - possibly some sort of
sphere
> > that might be cut in half.
> > 2. Some form of reflective coating?
> > 3. Small copper ball (o) attached to copper tube/wire (o-a)
> > dropping thru hemisphere.
> > 4. Clear plastic(?) tubing(?) (a-o-b)
> >
> > Experiment is to heat water in tube (o-a) to cause thermosyphoning
> > from cooler water below (a) to be heated and flow out thru (b).
> >
> > Any suggestions for parts/information/etc much appreciated.
> >
> > -Richard
Received on 2004-06-11 00:54:11