Let there be light.

I am starting to realize that with the loooonger than expected delay to get materials, my semester project is most likely going to span two semesters. That being said we got a solar concentrator up and running.  Before assembling our parabolic concentrator, we wanted to practice applying the mylar sheeting to something.  A Direct TV dish (DeathRay v.1) was used for a proof of concept.  I am really glad that we practiced on something small.  We practically did everything wrong the first time, which significantly decreased the efficiency of the mylar's refectivity. 

Even with the decreased efficiency, our concentrator was able to boil water and set a variety of things on fire.   Death Ray v.2 was assembled early this week.  More preparation and care was taken when applying the mylar to the satellite dish, and the concentrator's efficiency greatly increased.  Water boiled faster and harder, and lit objects on fire faster.  I say we are off to a good start.

Because slow motion makes everything better, here is a slow motion video of our concentrator starting to light a piece of wood on fire.  This was filmed using Death Ray v.1, so the wood never actually catches on fire, but it is still pretty cool.