Solar Energy

[den]

Fesnel lens, triple-junction PV cells, and a heat sink. Sun Ball Solar Tracker.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/crossfire_/]

That is SO cool.

Note that in the FAQ they say:

We also mount the solar cells on a massive heat spreader which transfers the heat into the SunBall™ Solar Appliance's aluminium hemisphere shell which serves as a heat radiator. This heat radiator is 180% larger than the solar collection area, is always in the shade and cooled by passing winds much more easily than flat panels.

Which leads me to wonder if this couldn't be combined with a water heat-exchange system to help heat water for the building...

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

they asked that on "The New Inventors" last night. The inventor said the high accumulated water temperatures makes the panels run hotter than the heat sink, and reduces the efficiency. there is also the problem of the 2 axis articulated water pipes.

[http://users.livejournal.com/crossfire_/]

Bummer, and both excellent points. It's just whenever I see someone trying to dissapate heat I try and think of a way to use it, is all. (Like, I really want to hook my fridge to my oven somehow.)

Still, these look like VERY cool appliances. I wouldn't mind having a couple myself.