100 W-class solar pumped laser for sustainable magnesium-hydrogen energy cycle
Abstract
A solar pumped laser system with 7%-9% slope efficiencies has been developed. A Fresnel lens (2×2 m, f =2000 mm) is mounted on a two-axis sun tracker platform and focuses solar radiation toward laser cavity, which embraces Cr:Nd:yttrium aluminum garnet ceramic rod. The maximum emitted laser power is 80 W corresponding to maximum total area performance of 20 W/m2 for the Fresnel lens area. This solar laser system would be used as a section of power plant in a magnesium energy cycle as a cost-efficient solar energy converter. Using direct solar radiation into laser, 4.3% net conversion efficiency has been achieved.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Applied Physics
- Pub Date:
- October 2008
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2008JAP...104h3104Y
- Keywords:
-
- 42.79.Ek;
- 42.62.-b;
- 42.79.Bh;
- 42.55.Rz;
- 42.60.Jf;
- 89.30.Cc;
- Solar collectors and concentrators;
- Laser applications;
- Lenses prisms and mirrors;
- Doped-insulator lasers and other solid state lasers;
- Beam characteristics: profile intensity and power;
- spatial pattern formation;
- Solar power