I have been doing experiments with solar thermal technology trying to get the most efficient system possible. I keep on getting crazy figures and I’m not sure if its my calculations, an oversight or if I am correct. I did the experiment with the superconductor Graphene, so it should be possible, but i'm not sure.
So the experiment is a simple setup: (In video)
I use a Fresnel lens that is 83 x 57 cm2, so the amount of sunlight is known.
I heat the superconductor Graphene with the lens, the graphene in in a Pyrex beaker that has 800ml of water in it being mixed by a magnetic mixer, so the temperature readings are accurate and give an overall temperature rise over time.
The thermometer is in the back of the beaker about half way down and the LCD display is glued to the front of the magnetic mixer, so you can see the temperature rise.
Have a lux meter to give the lux reading just for clarity.
Video:
I calculated the temperature rise from 49-50 degrees C, 50-51C and 51-52C
Formula used:
Watts = 3.1 x Gallons x ΔT (in °F) / Heat-Up Time (in hrs)
15 seconds
0.8 litres water used is = 0.175975 imperial gallons
1 degree C temperature rise in °F = 33.8°F
In video temperature rise calculations:
49 to 50 degrees = 13 seconds = 0.00361111 hours
Watts = 3.1 x 0.175975 x 33.8 / 0.00361111
= 5103 watt (5.1KW)
50-51 degrees = 21 seconds = 0.00583333 hours
Watts = 3.1 x 0.175975 x 33.8 / 0.00583333
= 3161 watts (3.16KW)
51-52 degrees = 15 seconds = 0.00416667 hours
Watts= 3.1 x 0.175975 x 33.8 / 0.00416667
= 4424wats (4.42KW)
My question is am I correct that 1 square meter of sunlight has 7KW+ in energy or did I make a mistake in my calculations?