We were happy that we could support the Precision Mirror Enhancement Project at Tamera continuously from late 2015 through 2016, with a total of CHF55K. The funds were given by continuous donations of one sponsor dedicated to the development of this project.
The team at Tamera (Douglas Baillie/optical physicist, Paul Gisler/mechanic, Daniel Müller/engineer) is working to create a new generation, ultra-light, inflatable membrane optical concentrator, a development of the fixed-focus Scheffler mirror. Following the original inspiration of Jürgen Kleinwächter, they put nuts and bolts to the vision. The standard Scheffler mirror is a decentralized, low-tech solution for autonomous cooking in regions of the Global South which are blessed with many hours of sunlight each day. It creates a focus of concentrated sunlight, making it usable for solar kitchens.
The new generation of this device will go beyond applicability in kitchens. Designed as an inflatable mirror, its smoothened reflective surface makes the focus of concentrated sunlight effectively smaller and hotter. Therefore the mirror will be able to generate temperatures of up to 1000˚ Celcius, offering the opportunity to use it in decentralized, autonomous small-scale industries (e.g. steel welding) while still using the sun as the only energy source. In 2016, the following milestones could be achieved:
– production of welding tool for mirror’s ultra-light membrane surface
– successful welding of membrane
– production of mirror support system and framework, allowing the mirror to follow the sun
– integration of tubing system for inflation in the mirror segments
– creation of functioning prototype mirror
This research project is still in full swing. We see their work as a much needed contribution for energy autonomy, opening up imagination of what is possible through the use of solar energy. If brought to a stage of replicability, this project could enable decentralized, solar-powered industries in future Healing Biotopes of the Global South.
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