This talk summarizes our work on the possibility of using concentrated solar energy for glass melting. Solar concentrators are based on the solar tower concept with concentration levels up to 1000 sols being achievable. Initial experiments were very small scale with subsequent work leading to successful melting of a few kilos of SLS compositions. The issues associated with the intermittent nature of solar energy (day/night cycle, cloud cover) were investigated on these later melts. Based on the measured efficiencies, conclusions concerning land requirements for a solar set-up that would be required for larger scale glass melting are drawn.

Speaker: Professor Russell J Hand, Professor of Glass Science & Engineering

Company: University of Sheffield