trevorjohnson83
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- Nov 24, 2015
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.... if we consider the hypothetical scenario where the focused sunlight energy could be converted into useful electricity with a 15% efficiency, the rate of useful electricity generation would be approximately 819.6 watts. This means that, on average, 819.6 watts of electricity would be produced every second from the focused sunlight energy, as long as the conditions and assumptions of the scenario hold true.
What if instead of using glass as a lens you used a hollow lens filled with water? Then the water would boil and could be used both as a lens and working fluid?
ChatGPT
Poe
Using a hollow lens filled with water to focus sunlight would indeed have different effects compared to using a solid glass lens. When sunlight passes through the water-filled lens, several things would happen:
Refraction: The sunlight would refract or bend as it enters and exits the water-filled lens, similar to how it would bend when passing through a solid glass lens. This bending of light is what allows lenses to focus or converge light.
Absorption: Water absorbs certain wavelengths of light, particularly in the infrared range. As sunlight passes through the water, some of the energy will be absorbed by the water molecules, leading to heating.
Boiling: As the absorbed energy increases, the water will heat up. Eventually, if the energy input is sufficient, the water can reach its boiling point and turn into steam.
Losses and inefficiencies: The presence of water introduces additional complexities and potential losses in the optical system. Water is not a perfect optical medium, and there will be scattering, absorption, and potential distortions that can affect the quality and efficiency of the focused light.
While it is theoretically possible to utilize the heated water as a working fluid for some applications, such as generating steam for electricity generation, there are practical challenges to consider. Controlling the temperature and pressure within the water-filled lens system would be crucial to avoid damaging the lens or compromising its optical properties.
Moreover, it's important to note that focusing sunlight in this manner would still require careful engineering and safety precautions. Concentrating sunlight can result in very high temperatures, and without appropriate measures, it can lead to overheating, material degradation, or even fire hazards.
Overall, while the concept of using a water-filled lens to focus sunlight and utilize the heated water has potential, it would require extensive design considerations, safety measures, and engineering expertise to ensure its viability and effectiveness.
What if instead of using glass as a lens you used a hollow lens filled with water? Then the water would boil and could be used both as a lens and working fluid?
ChatGPT
Poe
Using a hollow lens filled with water to focus sunlight would indeed have different effects compared to using a solid glass lens. When sunlight passes through the water-filled lens, several things would happen:
Refraction: The sunlight would refract or bend as it enters and exits the water-filled lens, similar to how it would bend when passing through a solid glass lens. This bending of light is what allows lenses to focus or converge light.
Absorption: Water absorbs certain wavelengths of light, particularly in the infrared range. As sunlight passes through the water, some of the energy will be absorbed by the water molecules, leading to heating.
Boiling: As the absorbed energy increases, the water will heat up. Eventually, if the energy input is sufficient, the water can reach its boiling point and turn into steam.
Losses and inefficiencies: The presence of water introduces additional complexities and potential losses in the optical system. Water is not a perfect optical medium, and there will be scattering, absorption, and potential distortions that can affect the quality and efficiency of the focused light.
While it is theoretically possible to utilize the heated water as a working fluid for some applications, such as generating steam for electricity generation, there are practical challenges to consider. Controlling the temperature and pressure within the water-filled lens system would be crucial to avoid damaging the lens or compromising its optical properties.
Moreover, it's important to note that focusing sunlight in this manner would still require careful engineering and safety precautions. Concentrating sunlight can result in very high temperatures, and without appropriate measures, it can lead to overheating, material degradation, or even fire hazards.
Overall, while the concept of using a water-filled lens to focus sunlight and utilize the heated water has potential, it would require extensive design considerations, safety measures, and engineering expertise to ensure its viability and effectiveness.
