Steve Morriss's Blog (3)

I decided to build the frame and lens mount with PVC. Easier and faster to construct. Will post a picture as soon as I get it together. Considered building it of metal, but until I get all the measurements right, this is a good medium to build prototype. Frame is in three parts, a base that is stationary to the ground, then a rotational vertical axis to track the sun east to west, and a horizontal axis to track the sun's height above the horizon. Continue

OK...next steps. First I need to build a frame to hold the lens and move the lens with the sun. All off-the-shelf stuff. Will use metal from Home Depot for the frame. Sun tracking electronics will cost around $200. Motors to move the frame will likely be old windshield motors from a salvage yard. After I get the lens mounted and tracking, I'll need a boiler with heating element to fit in the focal point. Thinking about a flash boiler design. Two chambers. A large outer chamber to heat water to s… Continue

Joining Pickens Plan and/or aligning with a political candidate is great if that is all you want to accomplish. Like a fan in the stadium, cheering while your team is on the field...your voice is there, but have you done anything to move the ball down the field? As I see it the only thing we have been forced to do is conserve. As the price of fuel increased we were forced to cut back our consumption to make ends meet. This is a reaction. But have you done anything proactive? Have you put a insu… Continue