I think maybe BLP is relying on the spot welder's frequency of 33hz (at least for some of the experiments). But, yes, I think I'll need to replace the mechanical switch with an SSR or other means of switching so it can be automated in controlling when it fires.
On Sat, Aug 23, 2014 at 1:43 AM, <mix...@bigpond.com> wrote: > In reply to Jack Cole's message of Fri, 22 Aug 2014 16:40:40 -0500: > Hi, > [snip] > >If we assume BLP's SunCell works as advertised, it would seem to me that > >they need to design something better for the ignition process than pouring > >particles over the rollers. I don't see how that could ever be made > >reliable, but that might just be a limitation of my imagination. > > > >It seems to me that electrolysis is a necessary part of the process > >(although happening with a small amount of water). It seems like an > >alternative process would be an electrolytic cell with electrodes made out > >of the correct material. This would result in conversion to thermal > >energy, which would probably be less efficient than converting light to > >electricity if that's the goal. But if heat is the goal then I think it > >should be considered--in particular if it would be more reliable. I > >realize I am making a lot of assumptions (even that it works), but it > would > >seem to be worth exploring. > > > >I ordered a spot welder recently, which should arrive soon, and I will > >attempt some experiments. It won't have the same level of power that > BLP's > >has, so it may not work. In one video, Mills did note that in the > >experiment without the rollers that 3KW or 5J was enough to ignite the > >process. This is an 8KVA model, so maybe something interesting can > happen. > > > >Best regards, > >Jack > Note that 5 J implies only supplying 3 kW for 1.7 mS. So you will need > either > some electronic means of rapidly switching the power, or a fast mechanical > way. > Perhaps the rollers themselves can be made to do the switching - > alternating > conducting and insulating strips, then rotate at the correct speed? > > > > Regards, > > Robin van Spaandonk > > http://rvanspaa.freehostia.com/project.html > >
