July 4, 2025
Science

Engineers have created a solar trap so effective it could be used to melt steel

  • May 23, 2024
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Our modern civilization consumes almost half of its energy in the form of heat, not electricity. Therefore, overcoming the climate crisis requires not only reducing carbon emissions in

Engineers have created a solar trap so effective it could be used to melt steel

Our modern civilization consumes almost half of its energy in the form of heat, not electricity. Therefore, overcoming the climate crisis requires not only reducing carbon emissions in electricity production, but also decarbonizing heat production. This is especially important for energy-intensive industries such as metal smelting and cement production.

Traditional methods of using solar energy to generate heat involve concentrating sunlight using parabolic mirrors before it reaches a heat sink.

The challenge has always been to create a compact and efficient system that can withstand significant temperature changes for long periods of time.

Revolutionary development

Researchers from the Swiss Technical University Zurich have presented an innovative solution that combines a transparent quartz rod with an opaque silicon carbide disk.

  • A quartz rod 7.5 cm in diameter and 30 cm long directs concentrated sunlight to the silicon carbide disk at the receiving end.
  • This opaque material is crucial for maximizing the conversion of light to heat.
  • Silicon carbide absorbs heat, which can then be transferred to various applications.

In laboratory tests, the ETH Zurich team exposed the heat traps to 135 times amplified simulated sunlight. It is noteworthy that the device reaches its outlet temperature. 1050°C.

For comparison purposes, competing technologies obtained under similar conditions only 170°C On the receiving end, it demonstrates the superior performance of Swiss innovation.

heat trap
Drawing of an experimental heat trap / Photo: ETH Zurich/Emiliano Casati

Research will continue

Despite these promising results, the researchers acknowledge that more research is needed to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of applying heat traps in real-world industrial settings.

Future research will focus on improving the design and evaluating its practical application to decarbonise heat production in energy-intensive industries.

As the world continues to grapple with the urgent need to act against climate change, innovations like this heat trap can play a critical role in shaping a more sustainable, green future.

Source: 24 Tv

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