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This topic is provided for communication to and from FriendOfQuark1.
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Post #3: Inquiry regarding terrestrial applications of advanced optical capture from Solar Propulsion topic.
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FriendOfQuark1 has taken an interest in the work of kbd512 and GW Johnson to develop a design for a Solar Propulsion system for a space vessel.
The specific item of interest is the optical capture system identified by kbd512 as possible with modern optical equipment.
I asked Google's Gemini to think about possible terrestrial applications of the optical capture system, and we considered 40 MW based upon the space vessel study.
Conversation with Gemini
Hi Gemini! Thank you for your assistance with many questions and initiatives. In this new inquiry, we have feedback from a small investor asking about practical applications that might exist for the optical capture system we are designing for a space vessel. The small investor pointed out that the competition is currently limited to mirrors and solar panels, and both of these have significant disadvantages compared to our system. I'm wondering if you can think of possible applications of 40 megawatts of solar power that might be interesting for use on Earth? The up front cost of our system is greater than the competitive systems, but the thermal efficiency should be greater, and the costs of maintenance should be lower. Among possible applications is high efficiency solar cells but my understanding these are still laboratory curiosities. I think the most attractive direction to look would be thermal heating applications.
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Hello! It's great to hear your optical capture system is showing such promise. You're right to consider terrestrial applications as a way to highlight its unique advantages and potentially attract investors. Focusing on the significant power output of 40 megawatts opens up some interesting possibilities, particularly in thermal heating as you suggested.Here are some practical applications on Earth for a system capable of delivering 40 megawatts of thermal energy, keeping in mind the higher upfront cost but potentially lower maintenance and higher efficiency:
Industrial Process Heating:
High-Temperature Industrial Processes: Many industries require intense heat for their processes. Your system could potentially replace or supplement fossil fuel-based heating for:
Cement production: Preheating raw materials requires significant energy.
Steel manufacturing: Certain stages like reheating slabs or billet heating.
Glass manufacturing: Melting and forming glass requires high temperatures.
Chemical processing: Many chemical reactions require precise and high-temperature control.
Advanced material synthesis: Creating specialized materials often involves high-temperature processes.
Concentrated Solar Thermal for Industrial Steam Generation: Many industries rely on steam for various processes (sterilization, power generation within the plant, etc.). Your system could generate high-pressure, high-temperature steam more efficiently than traditional methods.
Desalination: Thermal desalination processes, like multi-effect distillation or thermal vapor compression, require significant thermal energy. Your system could provide a clean and potentially cost-effective heat source for large-scale desalination plants, especially in sunny regions.
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Some EOR techniques involve injecting steam into oil reservoirs to increase oil flow. Concentrated solar thermal could be a more sustainable way to generate this steam compared to burning natural gas.High-Temperature Research and Development:
Materials Science Research: Providing a precisely controlled, high-flux heat source for testing the limits of materials under extreme conditions. This could be valuable for developing new high-temperature alloys, ceramics, and other advanced materials.
Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Supporting research and development in areas like laser sintering, additive manufacturing with high-melting-point materials, and other processes requiring concentrated energy.Niche Applications with High Value:
Hazardous Waste Treatment: Certain hazardous wastes can be neutralized or broken down through high-temperature thermal processes. Your system could offer a mobile or dedicated high-energy source for such applications.
Disaster Relief and Remote Operations: In situations where traditional power infrastructure is damaged or unavailable, a deployable version of your system (if feasible in the future) could provide a concentrated heat source for essential services like water purification or temporary heating needs.Considerations for Your Investor:
When presenting these ideas to your small investor, it's important to acknowledge the upfront cost and emphasize the long-term benefits:
Reduced Operating Costs: Highlight the potential for lower fuel costs (as it's solar-powered) and potentially lower maintenance compared to complex combustion systems.
Environmental Benefits: Emphasize the clean nature of solar thermal energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This can be a significant selling point for environmentally conscious investors and end-users.
Energy Independence and Security: For certain industries or regions, relying on a solar-based system can offer greater energy independence and protection from fuel price volatility.
Potential for Higher Efficiency: Underscore the superior thermal efficiency you anticipate compared to traditional solar panels or direct combustion, meaning more usable energy from the same amount of sunlight.
Long Lifespan: If the system is designed for the harsh environment of space, its durability on Earth could translate to a longer operational lifespan, further improving the return on investment.Addressing High-Efficiency Solar Cells:
You are correct that while high-efficiency solar cells are being developed, they are not yet at a scale or cost-effectiveness to directly utilize 40 MW of concentrated sunlight in a broadly applicable way on Earth. Focusing on the direct thermal applications is a more immediate and potentially impactful strategy.
Next Steps:
To further refine your pitch to the investor, consider:
Market Research: Investigate specific industries and their current energy consumption and heating needs. Identify potential early adopters who could benefit most from your system's advantages.
Case Studies (even hypothetical): Develop scenarios where your system could be implemented, outlining the potential cost savings, efficiency gains, and environmental benefits compared to existing solutions.
Scalability and Modularity: Discuss whether your system could be scaled up or down for different applications and if modularity could offer flexibility for deployment.By focusing on the unique capabilities and potential long-term benefits of your optical capture system for thermal applications, you can present a compelling case to your small investor and highlight its potential beyond the traditional solar energy landscape. Good luck!
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Thank you for your encouragement of this nascent idea, and for the thoughtful analysis and examples you provided. I'll pass it along! Best wishes for similar success as you attempt to help all your other customers!
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You're very welcome! I'm glad I could provide some helpful insights. I appreciate your kind words and wish you the very best in your discussions with the investor. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions as your project progresses. Good luck!
If anyone in the NewMars community is interested in the terrestrial application of the 40 MW optical capture system, as distinct from it's application in space, please let us know.
If there is a reader not currently enrolled in NewMars, and who would like to participate, please see the daily Recruiting update for procedure.
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