IBM's Solar Magnifying Glass Could Power the Whole Planet
Michael Baxter — March 2, 2014 — Eco
Many kids remember using magnifying glasses and the sun to attack poor little bugs as kids. This magnifying glass uses the same idea on a much bigger scale. IBM has come up with a system that could have the ability to power the majority of the planet with efficiency.
The system is called High Concentration Photo Voltaic Thermal or HCPVT. The giant magnifying glass will take in sun rays and focus them into a beam 2,000 times more powerful than normal. That energy can then be used to power pretty much anything from homes to city streetlights.
In addition to the energy provided, there are side benefits as well. Trapping sun rays produces usable water, which could be a big plus for people in countries that lack the ability to get it. The project would do all this while costing less than normal systems and taking up far less space.
The system is called High Concentration Photo Voltaic Thermal or HCPVT. The giant magnifying glass will take in sun rays and focus them into a beam 2,000 times more powerful than normal. That energy can then be used to power pretty much anything from homes to city streetlights.
In addition to the energy provided, there are side benefits as well. Trapping sun rays produces usable water, which could be a big plus for people in countries that lack the ability to get it. The project would do all this while costing less than normal systems and taking up far less space.
Trend Themes
1. High Concentration Photo Voltaic Thermal (HCPVT) - Disruptive innovation opportunity: The development of more efficient and cost-effective solar energy systems that can power a wide range of applications.
2. Solar Magnifying Glass - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploration of solar magnification technology for various applications, such as water generation and energy production.
3. Solar-powered Water Generation - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Development of solar-based technologies to generate clean and usable water for regions facing water scarcity.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integration of high concentration solar technologies in the renewable energy industry to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
2. Water Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploration of solar-powered water generation systems to address global water scarcity challenges.
3. Infrastructure - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporation of solar energy systems in urban infrastructure projects for sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.
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