Parabolic Trough Collectors

Isn’t it like/similar to the collector built in California desert that had mirrors surrounding a column of water. All the mirrors of parabolic nature directed at the column creating hot water for sure, possibly steam to generate power?
I could be off base, im old
 
Isn’t it like/similar to the collector built in California desert that had mirrors surrounding a column of water. All the mirrors of parabolic nature directed at the column creating hot water for sure, possibly steam to generate power?
I could be off base, im old
You're talking about this ?
 
@Flymph
Interesting idea. Not sure a person could get permitting in a lot of places. Reflectivity would probably be an issue with close by neighbors and flight paths.

Another version of this is the "solar oven" idea. From experience, those don't seem to work well.
 
You're talking about this ?
Sorry to hear this. I was intrigued by the lesser cost, quicker pay back time, and initial cost and alas it sounds too good to be true.
 
Agreed, it is an intriguing idea.
If you're on private acreage you'd probably be ok. I've read of a guy in Idaho who has had the old school, hand built, black box solar collectors on his buildings for almost 30 years and he both heats water for a forced water system and supplies his own electricity throughout the property. He does have a fuel agnostic auxiliary system to back him up when things so severely arctic.
Where I see this getting absolutely trash canned quickly here in the states is places that are heavily HOA controlled or in municipalities that are devoutly anti solar anything for whatever reason.
 
I see what it could do FOR me. Now . . . What could it do TO me. Or, to ohers?
 
I see what it could do FOR me. Now . . . What could it do TO me. Or, to ohers?
Probably severe burns if it operates like that giant array in the desert. Don't think I'd want to get too close during days with lots of sun and find out the hard way. 🫨
 
You're talking about this ?
It's a trip when you are flying past this thing. Also saw one in Spain when we were there last year.
 
Unless you'e a bird 🔥
 
In 1977 they had one of these on display at the OSU quad. It was hooked up to a water supply and about 8 feet long. Cold water in extremely hot water out the other end. I stood right next to it, did not feel dangerous at all. The light is focused on the pipe. You wouldn't want to put your hand on the pipe, but it was in no way comparable to the large site with multiple mirrors focused on the same spot. These things work, if properly designed.
Many of the reflector ovens I have seen remind me of the multitude of Chinese knockoff products that don't work but look quite a bit like something that does.
 
Temu troughs...
5.99 each
 
In 1977 they had one of these on display at the OSU quad. It was hooked up to a water supply and about 8 feet long. Cold water in extremely hot water out the other end. I stood right next to it, did not feel dangerous at all. The light is focused on the pipe. You wouldn't want to put your hand on the pipe, but it was in no way comparable to the large site with multiple mirrors focused on the same spot. These things work, if properly designed.
Many of the reflector ovens I have seen remind me of the multitude of Chinese knockoff products that don't work but look quite a bit like something that does.
Like you say, it’s basically a reflector oven used in camping.
 
Just in case we want to pat ourselves on the back for the novelty of using parabolas to focus solar energy I give you….Archimedes’ heat ray:


If true, it suggests this was first operationalized a few 1000 years ago. Rather than heating water or a home, it may instead have been deployed in the hopes of sizzling some Romans. Ah, the desire to kill - the mother of invention :)
 
Just in case we want to pat ourselves on the back for the novelty of using parabolas to focus solar energy I give you….Archimedes’ heat ray:


If true, it suggests this was first operationalized a few 1000 years ago. Rather than heating water or a home, it may instead have been deployed in the hopes of sizzling some Romans. Ah, the desire to kill - the mother of invention :)
 
It's a trip when you are flying past this thing. Also saw one in Spain when we were there last year.
That's the one I've seen too.

Strangely, as much time I spent in the Fort Irwin and Twentynine Palms areas I never saw the one mentioned in the article I posted
 
Just in case we want to pat ourselves on the back for the novelty of using parabolas to focus solar energy I give you….Archimedes’ heat ray:


If true, it suggests this was first operationalized a few 1000 years ago. Rather than heating water or a home, it may instead have been deployed in the hopes of sizzling some Romans. Ah, the desire to kill - the mother of invention :)
IMG_9307.jpeg
 
Don't forget the big Solothurn one in Sahara, which was based on the
Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex in Morocco
 
Bummer…….I thought we were discussing Paul Young’s rods, especially his Parabolic 15 line. Flexed down to the cap & ring but what a smooth recoil when you captured the right moment to proceed forward.
I’ll let myself out, thx.
 
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