Solar-Powered Device Achieves Breakthrough Temperatures for Industrial Heat

Researchers at ETH Zurich develop a thermal-trapping system using synthetic quartz to reach over 1,000°C, offering a cleaner alternative for steel and cement production.

The device uses synthetic quartz to trap solar energy, reaching temperatures of 1,050°C.
This innovation could replace fossil fuels in the energy-intensive processes of smelting steel and producing cement.
Current solar receivers struggle to efficiently transfer heat above 1,000°C; this new method addresses that challenge.
Researchers are optimizing the system and exploring other materials to further enhance thermal efficiency.
Industries like glass, steel, and cement account for 25% of global energy consumption, highlighting the potential impact of this technology.

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