Solar Research Facility Research Articles

Solar synthesis of carbon microparticles from polymer waste

Abstract This study reports the obtaining of carbon microspheres through the combined solar pyrolysis and solar physical vapor deposition process of a polypropylene-rich fraction from municipal wastes. A synthesis reactor heated by a 2kW solar furnace (CNRS PROMES solar research facility in Font Romeu, France) has been used for the carbonaceous materials obtaining. The material was characterized in terms of morphology (SEM), chemical composition (EDS) and sorption kinetic behavior towards two model anionic and cationic dyes (methylorange and methylene blue) from aqueous solutions.

Thermal Energy Performance of a Solar Thermal Electric Panel

The main goal of this research was to develop and understand the performance of a hybrid roof system that combined an amorphous junction photovoltaic panel in combination with copper panel and tubing encased in a low-iron glass. The setup encompassed 160 sq ft of the solar thermal electric panel (STEP) system supplied with a glycol-water closed-loop system. The system was fixed to a simulated roof assembly built at the optimal angle of 61° for winter solstice for the local area (Rolla, Missouri). The encased combination panel provided consistent electrical efficiency and mixed thermal efficiencies based on the hours of operation. In conclusion this paper will discuss experimental performance analysis on the STEP system thermal and overall outcomes. Further testing on the effects of a glazed versus unglazed panel yielded a 23% reduction in solar electric production; however, it increased thermal collection by approximately 200%. The present study shows that the idea of a STEP system is viable. A prototype hybrid solar thermal electric panel system was implemented in the Missouri Univ. of Science and Technology’s solar house entry into the 2005 solar decathlon, and today the solar house is part of student housing and the solar research facility at Missouri Univ. of Science and Technology.

Astrophysics around 100 GeV with STACEE

STACEE is an atmospheric Cherenkov detector using the large mirror area of a solar research facility to obtain an energy threshold around 100 GeV. STACEE has been used to study the Crab and several AGN: Markarian 421, W Comae, H 1426 + 428. The STACEE observing program is coordinated with the high-energy astrophysics community both by participation in multiwavelength campaigns and by follow-up observations of γ-ray burst alerts. Analysis methods under development using pulse height information from flash ADCs installed on each channel are expected to substantially improve the experiment’s sensitivity. A summary of the performance is given.

Prototype test results of the solar tower atmospheric Cherenkov effect experiment (STACEE)

There are currently no experiments, either satellite or ground based, that are sensitive to astrophysical γ-rays in the energy range between 20 and 250 GeV. We are developing the Solar Tower Atmospheric Cherenkov Effect Experiment (STACEE) to explore this energy range. STACEE will use heliostat mirrors at a solar research facility to collect Cherenkov light in extensive air showers produced by high-energy γ-rays. Here we report on the results of on-site test work at the solar facility. We demonstrate that the facility is suitable for use as an astrophysical observatory, and using a prototype of STACEE consisting of a subset of the mirrors to be used for the whole array, we detect atmospheric Cherenkov radiation at energies lower than any other experiment to date. Based upon these results we are confident that the eventual STACEE instrument will be capable of exploring the γ-ray sky between 50 and 500 GeV with good sensitivity.