Local Production
Scale in number
The basic DIY method can be used to scale a machine or even build a few machines and link them together.
But to produce many machines locally it’s a good idea to build some tools/jigs to go faster.
The Local Production Advantage
The main advantage of local production is work done on one machine can be carried over to the next. With time production can be significantly speedier.
The heart of the technique rests on presetting mirrors based on values from a table. As a consequence, hours working in the blazing sun can be avoided and the mirrors can be set quickly. Fine tuning the machine over several days is not required as with the DIY method.
When produced locally you can assure the maintenance of the installed machines. This is especially important when setting mirrors in bamboo or wood where the mirrors may have to be reset from time to time.
32 m^2 solar concentrator
Solar Fire P32 is a concentrator for small industries and agricultural processes.
The concentrator is made from standard straight lengths of steel, common mirrors, and a bit of resin.
The boiler is made from steel, since the concentration factor is high, focal temperature is high, and so is efficiency.
- 32 square meters of mirrors.
- 12-20 peak kilowatts of output (depending on location and mirror quality).
- Focal point temperature over 700 C.
- Price: 5000 - 7500 USD (depending on quantity)
- 250 - 400 USD per peak kilowatt.
- Built with standard construction steel without parabolic bending.
- Easy installation requiring no specialized equipment or skills.
- Introductory video explains functioning.
- Open Source: machine can be purchased and/or copied.
- Opportunity: be first to produce in your region or offer application.
- Five 70-90 m^2 models are currently being built by Tinytech Plants.
Applications
A solar concentrator is only half the equation; an application is required to make use of the energy. A few promising applications are:
- Connecting to existing steam systems in industry
- Roasting
- Steam Injector, Reciprocating, or Submersible pump
- Absorption fridge
- Aluminum melting
- Steam Engine
- Stirling Engine
