Pneumatic Butterfly Valve,Wafer Type Butterfly Valve,Pneumatic Wafer Butterfly Valve,Stainless Steel Pneumatic Butterfly Valve WENZHOU FOREVER CLASSIC TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD , https://www.fosicvalve.com
Recently, a breakthrough in solar technology has caught the attention of scientists and engineers worldwide. Inspired by the natural movement of sunflowers, researchers have developed a unique sunflower-shaped solar concentrator that could change the way we harness solar energy. This innovative design uses multiple mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a central photovoltaic converter, significantly increasing energy efficiency.
The system is designed to be cost-effective and scalable, with the goal of capturing 80% of available sunlight and converting it into electricity. It's particularly promising for remote areas where access to sustainable energy is limited. The prototype features a large parabolic reflector made up of smaller mirrors, which are connected to a tracking system that adjusts the angle of the mirrors based on the sun’s position throughout the day.
At the heart of the system is a microchannel liquid-cooled receiver containing hundreds of optoelectronic chips. Each chip, measuring just 1x1 cm, can generate up to 200-250 watts of power over an 8-hour period. This advanced technology is being developed under the HCPVT (High Concentration Photovoltaic and Thermal) project, which received a $2.4 million grant from the Swiss Commission for Technology and Innovation. The collaboration includes IBM Research, Airlight Energy, ETH Zurich, and several other institutions working together to bring this vision to life.
The HCPVT system not only generates electricity but also captures waste heat, achieving a thermal recovery efficiency of over 50%. According to Bruno-Mitchell from IBM, the use of three-junction photovoltaic cells in combination with microchannel cooling allows for more than 30% efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity.
The design itself is both innovative and practical. Instead of using costly materials like steel and glass, the team has opted for affordable concrete and pressurized metal foil. This approach makes the system more accessible and easier to build, especially in developing regions.
Experts believe that the HCPVT system could provide clean energy and fresh water to regions such as southern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South America and Australia. It also has potential applications in tourism, particularly for island destinations like the Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius.
Currently, a prototype is being tested at the IBM Institute in Zurich, with additional units planned for testing in Switzerland. This project represents a major step forward in making solar energy more efficient, affordable, and widely available.