8' diameter Power Dish
Reflectec polymer film
vacuum deformed to focus sunlight
Dish weight = 65 lbs.
U.S Patent # 7,374,301
Reflectec polymer film
vacuum deformed to focus sunlight
Dish weight = 65 lbs.
U.S Patent # 7,374,301
Test Receiver for Boiling Water
8' diameter dish focuses to a 20 sq. in. spot-
insulated SS pot holds 1 gal of water
18' best focal length
350 suns concentration.
Maximum temperature 922C @ 987W/M2 solar insolation
4500 watts energy delivered
(from ASAE Standard X580) W= (Tfinal-Tinitial)MCv/S, where
W= watts
Tf= Final temperature in degrees C
Ti- initial temperature in degrees C
M= Mass of water (and mass of pot)
Cv= Specific heat of water (and SS pot)
S = Seconds
8' diameter dish focuses to a 20 sq. in. spot-
insulated SS pot holds 1 gal of water
18' best focal length
350 suns concentration.
Maximum temperature 922C @ 987W/M2 solar insolation
4500 watts energy delivered
(from ASAE Standard X580) W= (Tfinal-Tinitial)MCv/S, where
W= watts
Tf= Final temperature in degrees C
Ti- initial temperature in degrees C
M= Mass of water (and mass of pot)
Cv= Specific heat of water (and SS pot)
S = Seconds
Heliostat Dish Design Progression
Completed
light weight
repeatable performance of over 100 suns
low vacuum leakage
Verify manufacturability of design with low
production factory runs
Scale up to 8' diameter, and test
Begin outdoor tests with weatherable film
(10 year life goal)
Replicate performance of first 8' dish --
pilot run of 2 additional 8' diameter dishes.
Vacuum seals improved- hold time improves
from several hours to several days
Design 1/4 scale model of tracking structure
for 4 dishes that also provides both active
and passive stowage modes for high wind ,
dust, and hail events.
First Vacu-Seal Patent issued
U.S Patent # 7,374,301
Begin component development for
full scale tracking frame and 4 x 10' dia.
dish system (20 KW)
Completed
light weight
repeatable performance of over 100 suns
low vacuum leakage
Verify manufacturability of design with low
production factory runs
Scale up to 8' diameter, and test
Begin outdoor tests with weatherable film
(10 year life goal)
Replicate performance of first 8' dish --
pilot run of 2 additional 8' diameter dishes.
Vacuum seals improved- hold time improves
from several hours to several days
Design 1/4 scale model of tracking structure
for 4 dishes that also provides both active
and passive stowage modes for high wind ,
dust, and hail events.
First Vacu-Seal Patent issued
U.S Patent # 7,374,301
Begin component development for
full scale tracking frame and 4 x 10' dia.
dish system (20 KW)
A Better Focus Co.
Large Power Dishes
| BCC- Best Cost Concentration Solar energy is plentiful, but diffuse. The concentration of solar energy enables a wide array of applications, including industrial steam, process heating, air conditioning, sterling engines, concentrating photovoltaics, etc. Solar concentrating systems also offer the hope of being the most cost-effective method of capturing and utilizing solar energy, but the fact remains that traditional combustion-based generation of thermal and electrical energy is still considerably less expensive for the typical industrial user. One method of closing the cost gap between traditional and solar power generation is though the use of film-based reflective materials, as opposed to traditional glass mirrors. The cost advantages of reflective films are considerable in comparison to traditional mirrors using glass substrates (thick or thin), and film production also leaves a significantly lower carbon footprint. Point focus implementation offers lower radiant thermal losses compared to line focus/ trough-based systems. . A lightweight yet strong dish design enables a very low mass for the tracking structure to move, and a weathervaning stowage mode protects the dishes from high wind and hail events. The ability to dynamically adjust focal length on the dishes offers flexibility in implementation, and also provides the ability to quickly return dishes to a safe unfocused condition in the event that tracking control is lost. A Better Focus Co. is committed to moving this technology forward. Click the following links for papers and presentations detailing the design concept of A Better Focus technology. (presented at the American Solar Energy Society ). Reflective films are often cited as lacking in durability compared to glass mirrors. While glass mirrors present the hardest of outer surfaces to the elements, glass materials have not been without problems of their own. Also, the cost of melting sand and gypsum to make glass will escalate with rising fuel costs. The carbon footprint left behind is significant in any case. New developments in reflective film have made significant progress, and accelerated life testing at NREL estimates a life of greater than 10 years. 2010 ASES presentation Our 8' prototype utilizes reflective film from Reflectich Solar, now part of SkyFuel, Inc.. Our second 8' diameter prototype has been constructed and tested in the fall of 07. Concentration ratio stands at 350 suns, maximum temperature recorded is 922C at 987 W/M2. The latest prototype is constructed with Reflectec film that has proven the ability to survive outdoor conditions. Long term weatherability testing have commenced, and will continue indefinitely. A 1/4 scale model of a 4-dish tracking frame structure has been completed, and tested. Looking for Partners We are looking for a user/partner to build a 20KW dish-thermal system: Do you have a year-round need for hot water or low pressure steam? Are you located in a region with good solar resource? Do you have an interest in participating in the development and testing of the next-generation of high-energy solar systems? Intellectual property of new developments will be shared. Expressions of interest can be forwarded to Doug Simmers at www.doug@abetterfocus.com |
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8' diameter dish focuses light to a
5" dia. spot on receiver pot for
heating water. Max Temp of 922C
5" dia. spot on receiver pot for
heating water. Max Temp of 922C
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1/4 Scale model of a 4-dish thermal
system focusing on a insulated plate
with thermocouple mounted
system focusing on a insulated plate
with thermocouple mounted
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| A Better Focus Co. is proud to announce the allowance of our first patent for our VacuDish concentrating technology, U.S Patent # 7,374,301 |
From ASES 2010-
Pursuing Best Cost Concentration
Pursuing Best Cost Concentration
Performance Testing