Dec 23 2009

Solar Mirror Array Steam Engine Drives 12KW Generator

Posted by: admin in Hacked Gadgets

Solar Mirror Array Steam Engine Drives 12KW Generator
Joe Carruth has harnessed the power of the sun by creating a large Solar Mirror Array in Colorado. This array boils 12 gallons of water to generate steam and the steam powers a twin piston steam engine. The steam engine is attached to a 12KW Generator with a straight shaft. Taking into account that this solar array […]

Joe Carruth has harnessed the power of the sun by creating a big Solar Mirror Array in Colorado. This array boils 12 gallons of water to generate steam and the steam powers a twin piston steam engine. The steam engine is attached to a 12KW Generator with a straight shaft. Considering that this solar array could fit in my back yard the amount of energy it produces is very impressive.

The system is shown powering a huge saw but it didn’t seem to operate at full capacity so based on that I’m not sure how much energy is actually being generated but regardless, it is significant. Now there needs to be a form of energy storage other than pricey batteries to make this system ideal. How about using the system to pump water into a huge raised area, then when electricity is needed you could drive a wheel?

If you don’t want one of these solar collectors in your backyard you can centralize the dishes as the video below demonstrates.

Via: Green Power Science