solar furnace![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Plant that concentrates solar radiation to reach very high temperatures (over 5,400°F) as part of a research effort to develop experimental materials (including astronautic materials and ceramics).
bank of heliostats ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Heliostats: remote-controlled adjustable mirrors that follow the Sun’s trajectory and concentrate solar radiation toward the boiler at the top of the tower.
tower ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Structure atop which the furnace is placed to collect luminous energy; it usually reaches a height of 65 ft.
target area ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Point where solar rays reflected by the parabolic mirror converge.
hill ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Heliostats are placed on slopes to prevent energy loss due to shade or the interception of reflected rays by neighboring mirrors.
furnace ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Reaching temperatures of over 5,400°F, it is mainly used to process and develop materials.
parabolic mirror ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Curved mirror that concentrates the Sun’s rays toward one point in the furnace (the target area).
reflecting surface ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Polished metallized glass that receives solar radiation and direct it to the parabolic mirror.
solar ray reflected ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Solar rays that reach the heliostats are sent to the parabolic mirror.
solar radiation ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
All the electromagnetic waves emitted by the Sun.