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Giant marble solar tracking/collection

Post in 'The Green Room' started by Adios Pantalones, Sep 20, 2012.

  1. Adios Pantalones Minister of Fire

    joined: May 20, 2008
    5,586 posts
    S.NH- Mass's smoking section
    Adios Pantalones, Sep 20, 2012
    #1

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  2. begreen Super Moderator

    joined: Nov 18, 2005
    36,118 posts
    South Puget Sound, WA
    It's a hollow glass ball so it would be less expensive to produce than it looks. But it is water filled which adds a lot to the weight. And the water would need a biocide to prevent algae buildup I would think. Wonder how much heat it produces at its focal point?
    begreen, Sep 20, 2012
    #2

  3. Adios Pantalones Minister of Fire

    joined: May 20, 2008
    5,586 posts
    S.NH- Mass's smoking section
    How about a array of smaller marbles focused onto a focal plane array... Easier to manage
    Adios Pantalones, Sep 20, 2012
    #3

  4. peakbagger Minister of Fire

    joined: Jul 11, 2008
    1,046 posts
    Northern NH
    The dreaded solyndra "panels" had similar self tracking characteristics. Still available for $1.50 a watt on ebay.

    It would be interesting to see the backup for how much power is being produced with moonlight.
    peakbagger, Sep 20, 2012
    #4

  5. Jags Super Moderator

    joined: Aug 2, 2006
    11,309 posts
    Northern Illinois
    Lacking any details on output and method of light to tricity. Put a bug underneath that thing. I wanna see something fry.
    Jags, Sep 21, 2012
    #5

  6. Delta-T Minister of Fire

    joined: Feb 27, 2008
    2,637 posts
    NH
    I'm not sure there's anything to collect from moonlight, seing as its reflected light but I'm with Jags...thats a rockin bug cooker.
    Delta-T, Sep 21, 2012
    #6

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