What makes the odeillo solar furnace unique?
They demonstrated the ability to reach high temperatures very quickly, and in a very pure environment, using highly concentrated sunlight. Their aim was to melt ore and extract highly pure materials for making new and improved refractories.
How does the odeillo solar furnace work?
The furnace consists of a large concave mirror measuring nearly 2,000 sq. m, which reflects sunlight onto a small focal point that reaches temperatures of more than 3,000ºC (5,430ºF). Opposite the mirror are hundreds of flat mirrors angled so that they reflect the sun’s rays onto the mirror.
What are the advantages of solar furnace?
The primary advantages of solar furnaces are the huge heat capabilities, lack of required fuel, and ease of use. Some disadvantages are high cost, and unreliable sunshine.
Where is the largest solar furnace in the world?
The largest solar furnace is the Megawatt Solar Furnace (MWSF), located near the town of Odeillo in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of France. The facility, which was completed in 1968, has an eight-storey-high parabolic reflector with a total area of 1,830 m^2 (19,697 sq ft).
How much does a solar furnace cost?
Size and cost Solar air heaters can vary in size, cost, and heating capacity. A 32-by-18-inch window air heater panel costs $400 to $500 and can heat a small room; a 28-sq-ft. outdoor wall-mounted unit costs $2,700 and can heat 1,000 square feet.
What are the disadvantages of solar furnace?
Disadvantages of Solar Water Heaters
- Compared to photovoltaic panels, solar thermal panels only heat water.
- Solar heaters require sufficient roof space to accommodate them.
- Solar water heaters require direct sunlight to function.
- The system does not function on cloudy, rainy, or foggy days.
Which mirror is used in solar furnace?
concave mirror
So, a concave mirror is used in a solar furnace. The solar furnace is kept practically at the focal point of the broad concave reflector. The concave reflector guides the heat rays of the Sun on the furnace and attain the maximum temperature. Hence, a concave mirror is used in a solar furnace.