Introduction: DIY SOLAR FOUNDRY
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About: You may recognize Dan and Denise Rojas from their appearances in various made for tv movies and national commercials. As the hosts of Green Power Science, they share Fresnel lens and alternative energy ideas, …
The solar tracker keeps our target illuminated for 8 hours a day enabling build temperatures exceeding 2100˚ Celsius, a new personal record.
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Instructables Green Design Contest
29 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
Hi. I was struck by the fabulosity of your foundry (I myself would have melted most of the household goods were I to have one to play with . . .). However,
since I am looking to make cookies outside of my house in the summer, it is a bit much for my purpose. I am desirous of a solar oven that won't blow over (no big reflectors) be temperture controllable, and that one can safely leave for a few minutes. Having made the foundry, could you tell me if
using several small Fresnel lenses might work for an oven? Say, each one focused on a Dutch oven with lid? I was hoping to get
something less likely to blow over and that might be controlled easily
with a Raspberry Pi (hopefully to be able to control the heat and not
have to babysit it, having some simple gears to maneuver it as the son
runs its course. If you wish to try this out I will buy the necessary
Fresnel lenses and send them to you. Perhaps a simple dome of Fresnels
over a clear hotbox, or an oven bag over a cast iron pot? I do know that Lodge Logic is interested in anything that might convince people to buy more of their pots, and those heavy iron pots would be good for lenses to heat up for cooking (as the iron will disperse the heat over the pot . . . ) Thanks for all your good work in any case!
Reply 1 year ago
The lenses in projection tvs were all different, I found an opaque bar pattern one that was great for softening pvc pipe.
6 years ago
nothing again
7 years ago
Really, really cool. It makes me want to construct something like this and start creating some cool glass pieces. Only, I don't own my own home/property. So I guess I will only be able to admire from afar.
7 years ago
Good thing to make some concentrate home heater. Ya know, some water pipe under the light during the winter :P
8 years ago on Introduction
This looks great but, if you don't mind my asking, where's the Instructable? :)
9 years ago
where do you get one?
Reply 8 years ago
old projection screen televisions. They're right behind the plastic screen. If you can, grab the projectors... they're useless for this project, but they go for $40 a piece on eBay. :V
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thanks Soooo much!!!
8 years ago on Introduction
You can get a suitable lens for this exact project from the front of a large projection television.
8 years ago on Introduction
Oh, just a note on my earlier note. Lodge (
http://www.lodgemfg.com/aboutus ) the guys who make cast iron dutch ovens and such may be interested in a fresnel lens thing to heat up their big pots (so people will cook with them over the summers and camping). I tried to make one with several smaller fresnel lenses, but no go. Perhaps one that is larger than my page magnifiers and smaller than your blast furnace one . . . Anyway, if you had a good design they might be interested in it.
8 years ago
Where can I buy a lens like this?
9 years ago on Introduction
Just a question. I have used magnifying lenses, with the sun, in the past. And, it is extremely bright. I can't imagine how bright this is, so do you recommend cutting goggles, to save your retinas?
Also, I agree with you on dexterity. I usually cut steel, barehanded. I learned, long ago. DON"T TOUCH IT!!! Bad things happen.
Thanks for the info. I've been out looking for some lenses. They don't seem to be as prevalent as they once were.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Disregard! I either didn't see the goggles, or was watching the video intently enough, that it just didn't register. This video, they were very prominent. Sorry.
9 years ago
Weren't u on the tv show doomsday preppers? I swear I've seen u before.
9 years ago
my mom doesn't want a forge next to our house, and I want to start blacksmithing. so this is a good alternative. :)
10 years ago on Introduction
I was thinking about how to modify this consept to track the sun but you did the home worrk for me! thank you very much.
10 years ago on Introduction
So I've seen the frame and magnifier that The King of Random made, but this is out of this is epic! A self adjusting frame is just too cool! I'd love to make one, but I doubt it would turn out very well.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cfv_GJWUzc8&list=PLBEF40B354EAE928E&index=9
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTkUyJ7OHPk
10 years ago on Introduction
Very cool project, but I'm a little concerned about the lack of safety equipment besides goggles. With something like this you should definitely have a fire extinguisher, gloves, and probably a welder's apron or something similar to protect yourself.