Basic Design
Size and power impression
Cost structure
Project structure
Applications
Components
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Cost Structure
The Cost of realizing a Solar Bowl can vary depending on the location, use and other factors. The main factors are presented here. We will make an assesment for your project on request.
Land Cost
A bowl takes at least the space of its aperture area in terms of land. At the equator its at least 20 x 20 meters for a 20 meter diameter bowl. The land may be owned, in which case the cost are negligible, or it may be rented, which in some places is very expensive.
Lattitude Cost
A Solar Bowl needs to be tilted at an angle equal to the lettitude of the location its in. Al lower latitudes this angle can be created by a mount of dirt. At higher lattitudes it may be necessary to build a support structure. This significantly adds to the cost, therefore it may not be attractive to build one on the North Pole.
Surfacing Cost
If the support can be created using dirt then the next task is to create the spherical surface. This can be done by shaping the underground and covering it with cement or concrete. Auroville used ´Ferro Cement´ which is cement with iron rebar. The surface needs ot be smooth and as spherical as possible, so finishing it with a smoother mix may be advised. It needs to be hard and weather proof, it must be able to carry the weight of a man and have rain drains build in.
Mirror Cost
The mirror surface can be made of several types of material. Silvered glass is durable, but absorbs more heat than the available reflective films. We are developing custom mades elements that are both highly reflective and durable. We will subsidize a project if we can test new materials.
Receiver Support
The reciever is pivoted on a support truss. This support needs to be strong enough to carry the weight of the reciever and counterbalance and remain fixed under the occurring weather conditions.
Receiver
The receiver can be implemented in different ways, dependend on the available budget or sphistication of the system. There needs to be flexible tubing for high pressure steam.
Control Electronics
There will be a tracking control system, a flow control system (measuring the temperature), and miscelaneous pumps.
Downstream Systems
Whatever is done with the steam or hot oil is determined on a project by project basis.
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