Assessment of Solar Energy Potential Limits within Solids on Heating-Melting Interval

Abstract

The solar furnace works by using the electric energy produced by a photovoltaic system, which converts solar energy, solar radiation, into electric energy. The performances of the solar furnace used in various applications from industry are influenced by various factors. One of these factors imposes the acquisitions of certain large densities of the radiant power, and it requires a geometric form of the concentrator. The research is based on the behavior of some metallic alloys at elevated temperatures, for purifying some materials and for the achievement of some chemical synthesis. An important technological condition is a temperature which is achieved by concentrating solar radiation. This temperature is necessary to produce metallic material in the crucible, without other complementary energy for the thermal process. Steel or aluminum production requires very high quantities of thermal energy. Usually, this energy is given by electric power, natural gases, or conventional fuels. The solar furnace uses the energy given by the sun. For the manufacturing of the electrothermal furnaces, a series of specific materials are used, which are necessary for the obtaining of the furnace chamber, for the heating elements, as well as for the measurement systems of the temperature.