ABSTRACT
The pursuit of high-power solar laser systems with high efficiency and capacity for large tracking error compensation is determinant for the applicability of this renewable technology. A side-pumped dual-rod Ce:Nd:YAG solar laser was developed and tested at the focus of a 2 m diameter parabolic concentrator. Maximum continuous-wave total solar laser power of 58 W was measured. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest laser power from a Ce:NdYAG solar laser. Moreover, wide tracking error compensation width of 5.1° in the azimuthal direction was reached, being 4.25 times higher than the previous measurement without solar tracking assistance.
ABSTRACT
From a scientific point of view, heat transfer is different in solar furnaces compared with classical ones and the influence of direct concentrated solar radiation on sintered parts needs to be studied in detail to determine the feasibility of solar furnaces in manufacturing small workpieces. This study was performed on cylindrical samples with controlled morphology obtained by a powder metallurgy 3D printing technique. All samples were heated with a heating rate of 120 ± 10 °C/minute, with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 min holding times at 900 °C and 930 °C. The morphology of the samples was analyzed microscopically, the microhardness was determined before and after sintering, and the results were correlated with the sintering parameters (temperature, heating rate and holding time). The best results were obtained at 930 °C with 5 min holding time from the microhardness value and microstructure point of view.