SOLARSPHERE
Solar Power in Mass Production
Solar Power in Mass Production
TECHNOLOGY
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SOLARSPHERE Solar Power in Mass Production |
TECHNOLOGY |
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Modelling of solar energy data as shown above can allow for accurate predictions of energy delivery from Sierra Concentrator technology. |
The Intent of the Solarsphere Technology Solarsphere is developing a solar power technology that is intended to be mass producible - like coke bottles. For this reason, the main material used in the Solarsphere technology is coke bottle material - PETE. PETE is an appropriate material because it is inexpensive, is produced in very large quantities, is fully recyclable and comes in many different varieties that have different features including strength and transparency. This allows for a tradeoff between factors such as cost, durability, efficiency etc. Imagine a solar power technology that can be produced in a factory as rapidly as coke bottles - thousands a day - using low cost materials and mass production techniques. |
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Solarsphere Patents Solarsphere has already acquired three patents and a fourth is imminent (end 2005) Patents Granted: Patents in Process: Information about the patent can be viewed from the Intellectual Property Office - Geneva patent # WO0201119 |
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Statements of Support The following have assessed Solarsphere technology and have given the following statements of support: Michael Davis - University of Tasmania Paul Meredith - University of Queensland Matthew Greaves and Geoff Walker - University of Queensland |
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How big is a Sierra Concentrator? Sierra Concentrators can be made in a variety of sizes. It is believed that they can be made up to 65 metres in diameter. Here are the approximate scales compared to a man. The calculations below are estimates based on reasonable assumptions about system losses and insolation values at 1 kW per square meter. |
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Diameter: 4 metres Nominal power at hotspot: 8 kW thermal |
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Diameter: 8 metres Nominal power at hotspot: 32 kW thermal |
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Diameter: 16 metres Nominal power at hotspot: 128 kW thermal |
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Diameter: 32 metres Nominal power at hotspot: 510 kW thermal |
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Diameter: 64 metres Nominal power at hotspot: 2,030 kW thermal |
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