...teams of mathematicians have been trying to calculate the best
theoretical curvature (of a mirror) for capturing and
concentrating sunlight...millions of dollars have been spent in
looking for the best curve for solar power gathering, since there
is approximately 1KW of energy in every square meter of sunlight
but tracking the sun precisely over a day is expensive, especially
on two axes.
However, the accidental discovery of "Marek's Curve" (named after
this young lad [in the photo],
http://www.geocities.com/earthdaysolar/Mareks_Curve_Solar.html
who made the only solar car that worked in the full shade) was
made at Sustainarama!
http://www.geocities.com/earthdaysolar/solar_power_roadshow.html
His car ran at a good speed using only reflected sunlight. In
comparison, all the other solar cars required direct sunlight.
What a discovery! It may even top the Stirling engine!
Warning this site has limited bandwidth and was down yesterday...
