spherical glass solar energy generator by rawlemon
SHARE AND PROMOTE YOUR WORK
since 1999, home of design culture, designboom has been the world'sfirst online magazine. we welcome readers to submit projects. START UPLOADING
first image
spherical glass solar energy generator by andre rawlemon
german born, barcelona-based architect andré broessel has sent us images of his latest development of a spherical glass
solar energy generator. the project uses the advantageous strategy of implementing a ball lens and specific geometrical
structure to improve energy efficiency by 35%. in contrast to its traditional photo-voltaic 'dual-axis' counterparts,
the device incorporates a fully rotational weatherproof natural optical tracking device that is adequate for functioning
on inclined surfaces and curtain walls, empowering any building surface. the new solar generating concept has
capabilities that concentrate diffused daylight or moonlight for a more effective site context application.
left: first prototype with dual axis tracking system and triple junction cells
right: second prototype including multiple ball lenses with dual axis tracking system and triple junction cells
left: second prototype showing light transmission through 3 ball lenses
right: second prototype showing performance in different light diffusion situations
third prototype water filled ready for measuring multiple PV cells concepts and thermal energy
measuring the focal point temperature and the radiation intensity
moonlight study of concentrated light arriving to solar cell
measuring the focal plane of a ball lens
left: set up of the 6 axis precision measurement instrument
right: set up for the direct beam measurement system
comparison of the different existing solar energy providers
render of the solar generator in context for building application
different application context
That looks so cool . love the picture of the window with the ball in the middle.
Cool! Nowadays, when building is going downhill, I suppose a big challenge and opportunity would be to adapt the sphere to current buildings.
Impressive! It’s one of those of course ideas that makes you believe in great thought!
As a glass artist I am interested in testing this idea myself.
A nice sculptural approach to the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concentrated_photovoltaics] Concentrated photovoltaics [/url] technology.
Really nice… Great work
Beautiful. Let’s go with more of these d’-)
Cute, but solar panels are getting cheaper and already only a fraction of the cost of a PV system. It’s hard to believe this bulky kit with its fragile high maintenance mechanical system would be more efficient in money and space costs than a static system.
Wonderful. Great work
very nice, but i have to agree with Cig,
this certainly looks cool, and might add some benefits, what we need, is update our “image” of what houses are meant for. it’s more than a box, really.
we should keep our environment in close attention, and build according to natural laws. to optimize indoor temperature, and lighting.
maybe even adjust our energy “needs” what do we need, really?
i am happy to be here now, we all start realizing the same thing.
have a great day
cool, but looks like fragile
solar anal ball ?
wykop.pl efekt
shut up and take my money!
What are the embodied energy implications involved in making the glass? Is it realistic to think that this can go to scale?
Sorry for my English. I have a question. The concentrated light beam while increasing the efficiency does not decrease the lifetime of the solar panels and therefore lengthens the maintenance cost? besides the energy consumption needed to rotate each plate individually which I guess more expensive the system itself. It is a good idea but I would love to know if it really is feasible to replace the current system
Awsome!
Cheers
The how it works portion of this page is too blurry to read.
Some questions:
Materials/Mass:
Could the same effect be achieved using less mass?
What liquid is lighter than water, yet holds the same refractive properties and would not breakdown in sunlight?
I can tell the spheres are solid because of the way they bend light.
Would it be possible to fill the spheres with a lightweight substance that is refractive by nature?
Would it work on a smaller scale, with an array of spheres?
Energy:
Are there safety issues, with such a large, singular, focused beam of solar?
Fires and burns come to mind.
Extremes in heat/cold may need to be addressed, where the globe might crack or shatter, unless this is already thermal glass.
Also, the spheres would have to be cleaned regularly for optimum output.
get it quick and fast on the market this will make history in solar electricity
SO…. YOU\’VE JUST INVENTED… ONCE AGAIN, THE Magnifying glass!! lOl
Expensive, really expensive. Perfect to some stupid goverments.
Reinventing the wheel! The idea was abandoned years ago due to weigh and safety problems!
when This system is available for home usage
good work…for change the world…keep it up
Oh my! This is really incredible! Solar energy rules!