Concentrated solar power has the potential to generate immense energy. In fact, solar furnaces can produce temperatures high enough to melt metal.
A large curved mirror or an array of mirrors is used in a solar furnace to gather the sun’s rays. These rays are then directed onto a focal point as concentrated light.
A solar furnace in Parkent, Uzbekistan, called the physics-sun, is used to melt down metal. It is one of the two largest in the world. The diameter of the curved mirror of this furnace is more than 175 feet. Sixty-three flat mirrors – each as tall as a two-story house – track the sun in unison to focus the solar energy towards the crucible.
The solar beam it generates has a diameter of about four feet that produces temperatures ranging from 800 to 3000° C.
This structure is not just environmentally friendly, but also a visual delight. More structures like this could really help us build a greener tomorrow.
