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BE.

Mechnical Engineering

Solar Furnances

Non Conventional Energy Sources

SOLAR FURNACE The term solar furnace has also evolves to refer to solar concentrator heating systems using parabolic mirrors or heliostats where 538 oC is now commonly achieved. The largest solar furnace in the world is at Odeillo in the Pyreneess of France opened in 1970. It employs an array of plane mirrors to gather the rays of lights from the sun, reflecting them on to a large curved mirror. The rays are then focused onto an area the size of cooking pot and can reach 3000oC.

SOLAR ENERGY APPLICATIONS

Vaibhav Vithoba Naik

Non Conventional Energy Sources

Solar Furnace Construction Solar furnace consists of the following parts. 1. Bank of Heliostats Heliostats remote controlled adjustable mirrors that follow the suns trajectory concentrate solar radiation towers the boiler at the top of the tower. 2. Tower : Structure a top which the furnace is place to collect luminous energy; it usually reaches a height of 65ft. 3. Target area : Point where solar rays reflected by the parabolic mirro r converge. 4. Furnace Reaching temperature of over 5400 oF, it is mainly used to process and develop materials. 5. Parabolic mirror Curved mirror that concentrates the suns rays toward one point in the furnace. 6. Reflecting surface Polished metalized glass that receives solar radiation and direct it to the parabolic mirror.

Working 1. Solar furnace is a structure used to harness the rays of the sun in order to produce a high temperature, usually for industry. 2. This is achieved using a curved mirror that acts as a parabolic reflector. 3. Solar radiation collected at heliostats is concentrated by concentrator onto a focal plane. 4. The temperature at the focal point may reach 3000 oc and this heat can be used to generate electricity to melt steel or make the hydrogen fuel.

SOLAR ENERGY APPLICATIONS

Vaibhav Vithoba Naik

Non Conventional Energy Sources

Figure: Solar Furnace

Applications 1. The solar furnace principle is being used to make inexpensive solar cookers and solar powered barbecues and for solar water pasteurization. 2. A prototype Scheffler reflector is being con structed in India for use in solar crematorium. 3. This 50m 2 reflector will generate temperature of 700 oC and displaces 200300kg of firewood used per cremation. 4. It has been suggested that solar furnaces could be used in space to provide the energy for manufacturing purpo ses.

SOLAR ENERGY APPLICATIONS

Vaibhav Vithoba Naik

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