Improvement of solar thermal collector Research Proposal

Improvement of solar thermal collector - Research Proposal Example Once the best design dimensions are created, anywhere from two to ten prototypes will be built and tested. They will be tested under a variety of light conditions, trying to simulate a range of light beyond the normal expected use of solar panels. The hope would be that this design could, among other advantages, catch light that is more diffuse or at lower intensities, enabling a broader climactic range to employ the technology. There will also be stress testing of the prototypes to test for breaking scenarios and determine if durability is within acceptable parameters. Stress testing will include shaking, simulated geological turbulence, simulated barometric turbulence, falling, heavy weight to simulate snow and hail, and other tests. Parameters being tested for will include potential climactic range; efficiency; spectrums of light absorbed; durability under adverse weather conditions; durability under both normal and extreme circumstances; more compact size; and cost. Once initial testing is completed, flaws will be determined, simulation begun again, until the final working prototype is selected. A literature review shows that this project has promise. Cheshire Innovation uses Fresnel lenses in their solar desalination plants (Patent application Nos. 0511946.6, 0608208.5). McGrew's 1980 Patent No.