In a remarkable shift away from fossil fuels, researchers have developed a method using thermal mapping to reach temperatures above 1,000 degrees Celsius using solar energy – a significant leap towards clean energy solutions for heavy industries such as steel and cement production .

These sectors typically rely on carbon-intensive fossil fuels and could see a transformation as this solar technology promises a sustainable alternative to high-temperature processes essential to modern civilization.

Taking solar energy to new heights

The concept, detailed in a recent study by a team from Switzerland, centers on using synthetic quartz to effectively capture solar energy at extremely high temperatures.

This innovative approach uses a semi-transparent quartz rod combined with an opaque silicon disc, which serves as an energy absorber.

When exposed to an intense light equivalent to that of 136 suns, the arrangement not only achieved but maintained a remarkable temperature of 1,922°F (1,050°C) at the absorber plate, while leaving the other end of the quartz rod considerably cooler remained at 1,112 °C. °F (600 °C).

This striking temperature difference underlines the efficiency and potential of the thermal trap effect in practical applications.

Potential game changer

Emiliano Casati from ETH Zurich, the corresponding author of the study, explains that the significance of this technology extends beyond its impressive temperature performance.

Previous attempts to harness solar thermal energy have struggled with efficiency, especially at temperatures required for industrial applications.

“Previous research has only been able to demonstrate the thermal effect up to 170°C (338°F),” Casati notes. “Our research has shown that solar thermal energy works not only at low temperatures, but also well above 1,000 °C (1,800 °F). This is crucial to demonstrate its potential for real-world industrial applications.”

Further simulations conducted by the team showed that the thermal trap could achieve these target temperatures at lower concentrations with the same performance, or at higher thermal efficiency for an equal concentration.

For example, a conventional unshielded receiver, which typically has an efficiency of 40% at 2,192°F (1,200°C) with a concentration of 500 suns, performs significantly better than the receiver shielded with 300 mm of quartz, which is a range of 70% achieved. efficiency under the same conditions.

Solar energy technology and sustainability

Now that the fundamental research has been completed, Casati and his team are focusing on refining this technology and exploring new applications.

Their continued experiments with different materials, such as different liquids and gases, have already shown that they can reach even higher temperatures.

This versatility highlights the potential of semi-transparent materials in absorbing not only solar radiation, but potentially other forms of light and radiation.

Getting governments and the public on board

Increasing public awareness and educating industry stakeholders about solar thermal technology is critical to its widespread adoption. Educational initiatives play an important role in this.

Programs designed to educate the public about the benefits of solar thermal technology can help demystify the science and highlight its potential to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.

Workshops, seminars and online courses are effective ways to spread knowledge about how solar thermal systems work and their environmental and economic benefits.

Community programs also help promote sustainable energy solutions. These programs can include local solar projects, where communities come together to install and maintain solar thermal systems.

Such initiatives not only provide clean energy, but also promote a sense of collective responsibility and empowerment. They can include demonstrations, practical workshops and information sessions that illustrate the practical applications of solar thermal technology.

Harnessing the power of the sun for a greener future

“The energy issue is a cornerstone for the survival of our society,” says Casati. “Solar energy is readily available and the technology is already here. To truly motivate industry adoption, we need to demonstrate the economic viability and benefits of this technology at scale.”

By harnessing the power of the sun and minimizing heat loss, this innovative technology paves the way for a more sustainable future.

As researchers continue to optimize the process for large-scale deployment, the potential for solar energy to replace fossil fuels in challenging industrial applications is closing in.

This breakthrough reminds us that with ingenuity and dedication, we can find solutions to even the most daunting challenges posed by climate change and create a cleaner, greener world for generations to come.

The full study was published in the journal Device.

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