I use a large fresnel lens to test the effect of concentrated sunlight on a solar cell. To keep the solar cell cool I immerse it in mineral oil. I measure the voltage, current and the temperature. But I also test it without the cooling and sure enough, the solar cell is destroyed by the concentrated sunlight. The fresnel lens is one I got from a rear projection TV.
See also my video all about fresnel lenses, “Fresnel lens – what is it, testing focal length, solar heat generated”:
To watch my video about the fresnel lens combined with a mirror, “Fresnel lens and mirror solar cooker cast iron pan”, see:
And for the video “What is Fire” watch:
In this one I use a small fresnel lens to concentrated sunlight onto a solar cell made from a transistor “How to Make a Solar Cell using a Transistor (2N3055)”:
For my companion webpage for this video see:
http://rimstar.org/renewnrg/concentrated_solar_power_diy_with_fresnel_lens.htm
In case you’re curious where I normally use this mineral oil, it’s for the Cockroft-Walton voltage multiplier board for my 75kV high voltage power supply. You can see it here:
http://rimstar.org/equip/negative_voltage_multiplier.htm
The photo of solar power in winter was taken by me while working with Ottawa Solar Power (http://ottawasolarpower.com) on a solar installation job.
To follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/RimStarz
http://rimstar.org
Music used during the Results sequence:
Sneaky Snitch Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
ISRC: USUAN1100772
Music used from beginning and at end:
A Darker Heart – music by audionautix.com
Post time: Jan-30-2017