Abstract

The production of cement, metals and many chemical products requires extremely high temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius. At present, this heat is usually obtained by burning fossil fuels: coal or natural gas, which emit large amounts of greenhouse gases. The researchers have discovered a way to make these industries independent of fossil fuels. Using solar radiation, they have developed a heat trap. It consists of a quartz rod connected to a ceramic absorber that, thanks to its optical properties, can efficiently absorb sunlight and convert it into heat. In their laboratory experiments, the researchers used a quartz rod 7.5 centimeters in diameter and 30 centimeters in length. They exposed it to artificial light with an intensity equivalent to 135 times the intensity of sunlight, reaching temperatures of 1,050 degrees Celsius. Concentrating solar energy technologies have already been established on an industrial scale to generate solar energy, and these plants typically operate at temperatures of up to 600 degrees. At higher temperatures, heat loss by radiation increases and reduces the efficiency of plants. One of the main advantages of the heat trap developed by the researchers is that it reduces radiative heat losses. This technology could one day enable solar energy to be used not only to generate electricity, but also to provide high temperatures for energy-intensive industries, thus making these industries carbon-free.

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