The functions of the ideal solar catcher in the aim to generate both heat and mechanical work can be classified by order of importance :

 

2.      To have an elevated thermodynamic output

3.  To integrate a device of storage of the direct solar radiance

4.      To convert the diffuse radiance in case of cloudy cover

5.      Not to have an excessive hold to the wind

6.      To be able to juxtapose several collectors without generating shades 

7.      To use the materials and industrial solutions already tried an mastered

8.  To be easy to maintain and to recycle

Specifications of the new solar sensors of SYCOMOREEN

 

Function n°	Criterias	Levels	Flexibility	Commentary
1. To have a good thermal trapping output	The PR ratio: Power trapped in the confinement room ____________________________________________________ Incidental solar power on the collector	PR = 80%  at 1000°C	At least	This point is crucial to increase the collected energy at the same time as the thermodynamic output of the thermal engine of conversion
2. To have an elevated thermodynamic output	The RT ratio: Mechanical power of the thermal machine ____________________________________________________ Thermal power provided to the machine	RT = 60%	At least	This output is approximatively governed by the law of Carnot: RTthéorical = 1 - Tcold / Thot
3. To integrate a device of storage of the direct solar radiance	The storage must permit to stock the energy collected on one diurnal duration  T	T = 12h	At least	What means that one can use the solar energy even the night.
	The global storage output Pr : Pr = output of storage x unstorage output	Pr = 80%	At least	The storage and the following release  of energy must not constitute huge losses.
5. Not to have an excessive hold to the wind	Diameter of the collector of the direct solar rays	D = 4 M	At more	A too big diameter makes the installation highly vulnerable to strong winds.
6. To be able to juxtapose several collectors without generating shades	No mutual shade when the sun rays are in shaving impact (during the sunrise and the sunshine)	/	/	The shades make that the surface to soil is fully exploited only in the zenith of the Sun. It is necessary to become liberated from this issue.
7. To use the materials and industrial solutions already tried and mastered	Mirrorsalready used in solar concentration plants, steel, aluminium parts, usual devices for solar pointing Rotating building	/	/	In order to use of the already acquired know-how.
8. To be easy to maintain and to recycle	standard replacements of the solar catcher's components, usual recycling in the paths of recuperation of metals	/	/	It permits more reduced costs of exploitation and less frequent breakdowns. It avoids the difficult recycling of the photovoltaic panels.