Solar Turbine Beginnings - Open Source Ecology

[josephdupont]

Why not just have several units shining on the same spot?

[xpsyclonex2002]

why not just buy a freznel lens and save yourself all the engineering? you can buy one for what you are going to spend creating this parabolic reflector and it will last for years. What you are building won't last through one strong storm.

[ivanleed]

ok then who came up with this idea any way

[cricketol]

why not try car was to make a more reflective surface? you would need to use fine grain sand paper before applying the wax

[TalksWithDirt]

Guys guys guys no no no no .... If it were that easy every 3rd world country would be doing this. Ummm solar steam is not easy. Keep at the machine shop. Once you get a real machine shop going then you'll have the tools needed to make the parts to the precision needed for what you're trying to do. Maybe start with a windmill, they're much easier to start at.

[macrumpton]

Interesting idea, but bending a panel of plywood like that is not going to give you a real parabolic shape, so you will not be able to get a sharp focus. Mounting your panel on 4 or 5 ribs on which you have drawn and cut a real parabolic arc will be much more effective and not much harder. Once you have drawn and cut the first rib you can use it as a template for the rest.

[eddiequest3]

They did a fabulous job. But I have read that the contents of that adhesive are quite hazardous. I would recommend masks.

[josephdupont]

you can flex glass mirrors

[dekonfrost7]

not to a parrobolic shap 4 ' wide