In a world increasingly conscious of its carbon footprint, a novel approach to solar energy collection is emerging, promising to revolutionize the way we harness and utilize solar heat. This innovation, presented at the SolarPACES Conference Proceedings, could significantly impact the agriculture sector, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for distributed energy production.
The research, led by Luigi Fornari of LenteSolare LLC, introduces a model for collecting, storing, and using solar energy locally. The crux of this model lies in the use of large Fresnel lenses made of glass, designed to collect solar energy efficiently and affordably. Fornari explains, “We propose a model of collecting, storing, and using the energy locally. The first step, collecting, we discuss in this paper.”
The Fresnel lens, a key component of this system, is produced using a modified groove design. The vertical steps within the grooves direct light to the focal point through reflection by a mirror. This design allows the glass to fill the grooves, facilitating the molding process. The lens is then produced in a cylindrical configuration, extruded and calendared in a commercial plant for textured glass, at a cost of approximately $10 per square meter.
The basic unit size of this system can be realized as an assembly of eight 4×8 feet glass panes, collecting what the researchers expect to be 10kW per unit. The cost for the collecting optic is estimated to be a few hundred dollars per unit, making it an affordable option for homeowners and potentially transforming the agriculture sector.
Fornari’s team plans to capitalize on existing know-how in making receivers for Parabolic Reflector geometry, further reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. This proposal not only makes solar heating affordable but also contributes to lowering CO2 emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.
The implications of this research are vast. For the agriculture sector, this technology could mean a shift towards self-sufficiency in energy, reducing reliance on concentrated sources like oil and natural gas. It could also pave the way for distributed energy production, where energy is generated and used locally, minimizing transmission losses and enhancing energy security.
As Fornari notes, “We produce electricity with PV panels, but we need also heat, and we do not have any way to do so in a distributed way. We propose a model of collecting, storing, and using the energy locally.” This research, published in the SolarPACES Conference Proceedings, could very well shape the future of solar energy utilization, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for both residential and agricultural applications.