WHAT WE STAND FOR
OUR EXPERTISE
PROJECT SUN WATER
IN SHORT
FIX FOCUS
MIRROR
CREATING A RADIANT HEAT CHAMBER
Processing materials at high temperatures.
PROJECT FIX FOCUS MIRROR
IN SHORT
The use of concentrated sunlight allows high temperatures of up to over 2000 °C to be generated for a wide variety of purposes. This enables for example ceramics or building materials to be fired or metals to be processed in a completely clean and emission-free manner.
In order to make this technology accessible to the decentralized village communities, we have developed a new type of solar concentrator, the Fix Focus mirror, which has two outstanding properties:
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It concentrates the sunlight stationary in a focal point near the earth's surface.
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Its precise optics is created by “inflating” lightweight membrane cushions and is therefore easy to manufacture locally.
CHALLENGES
Currently in the Global South, the processing of materials at high temperatures as described above, is carried out through the extensive use of wood and charcoal. This intensifies the global greenhouse effect, promotes the development of deserts through deforestation and leads to massive health problems for people through inhalation of the smoke gases. All of these negative effects can be completely avoided by using solar energy.
IN PROCESSING OF MATERIALS WITH
HIGH TEMPERATURES
THE CONCEPT
OF THE FIX FOCUS MIRROR
Pneumatic shaping of a thin membrane creates a precise eccentric parabolic mirror that can be easily produced locally. The mirror automatically follows the sun and creates a fixed focal point with high energy density. The radiation energy is directed into a cavity and creates a radiant heat chamber.
HOW TO
A STEP BY STEP DISCRIPTION
The operator fills the radiant heat chamber with the material to be fired (e.g. ceramics) and then closes it.
The Fix Focus Mirror is turned towards the sun and heats the chamber.
Viewing windows and temperature sensors show the condition of the goods in the chamber.
The entire system is protected from wind, weather and dust by a transparent membrane protective cover.
Functioning demonstration units of the Fix Focus Mirror can be found at the TTT-Center in Portugal.