* Linear Parabolic Solar Collector *
*
Produces temperatures up to 500 degrees F.
*
Is more efficient than a flat-plate collector.
* Requires full sun, but
efficiency makes up for it averaged over a season / year in most locations.
* When
E-W oriented, no solar tracking is needed, only seasonal noontime elevation
adjustment.
* Easy
to design, make, assemble, and transport.
* Inexpensive
to build.
* Can
be integrated with a bioburner to save fuel
This early 3’x4’ parabola was a test bed for various applications:
*
Solar grill
– Shelley is making tortillas and boiling a pot of beans.
* Distilling water plus heating 7x that amount
of hot water.
* Steam-injection vacuum distillation of ethanol.
* Electricity from 100-suns VMJ PV cells, and
cogenerated steam for off-peak stored power.
* Zero-moving parts solar refrigeration, water
pumping, and compressed air.
©2009 Solar-Smith,
www.solar-smith.com, and Global Village Institute for Appropriate Technology
www.i4at.org